Patterns vs Structures
Do you wonder if every story you need to convey ‘fits' within one of our seven patterns?
It may shock you that I don't think they will!
I do think the patterns are a fabulous guide, but encourage you to use them as a starting point that enables you to finesse them using the core storylining principles.
But … how to do that?
I suggest you ‘hack' your structure first using our storyline planner as a guide and then tweak using first principles. Here are some thoughts on how to make that work for you:
Step 1 – Use the planner for all major communication! Work through this process from start to finish so you land your messaging before you waste time editing and potentially rewriting a lengthy document.
I was reminded of the importance of this when – not joking – I was packing my bags to return from the US last week. It was so much easier to pack for the return trip than it was on the way out. The bag was also much more neatly packed. Why?
On the way over I was packing quickly for an uncertain environment. I didn't know what the weather would be like and wasn't sure whether I needed only casual gear or more formal also.
As a result, things went in and out as I worked it through.
The process was I think a bit like working out what ideas fitted into a storyline.
So … I can't emphasise enough the importance of landing those messages first.
Step 2 – ‘Hack' at least two high-level structures for your story. Be guided by the So What Strategy book (pages 50 and 51) or your desk reference. Pick one and ‘fill it in' inside the planner using your own material but copying the structure.
Step 3 – Tweak these high-level, skeletal structures as needed making sure you stick to the overall storylining principles. This means that whether the story veers away from the chosen pattern, it still includes
Step 4 – Prepare your communication, following the storyline structure to ensure your document conveys your thinking as clearly and concisely as possible.
I thought a schematic of the different generic structures might help so have included it below.
>> Download the reference here.
I hope that helps. More next week.
Kind regards,
Davina
PS – We will be opening the doors for new participants soon. Here is the latest brochure (refreshed today!) in case you would like to tell your friends and colleagues about the program.
It may shock you that I don't think they will!
I do think the patterns are a fabulous guide, but encourage you to use them as a starting point that enables you to finesse them using the core storylining principles.
But … how to do that?
I suggest you ‘hack' your structure first using our storyline planner as a guide and then tweak using first principles. Here are some thoughts on how to make that work for you:
Step 1 – Use the planner for all major communication! Work through this process from start to finish so you land your messaging before you waste time editing and potentially rewriting a lengthy document.
I was reminded of the importance of this when – not joking – I was packing my bags to return from the US last week. It was so much easier to pack for the return trip than it was on the way out. The bag was also much more neatly packed. Why?
On the way over I was packing quickly for an uncertain environment. I didn't know what the weather would be like and wasn't sure whether I needed only casual gear or more formal also.
As a result, things went in and out as I worked it through.
The process was I think a bit like working out what ideas fitted into a storyline.
So … I can't emphasise enough the importance of landing those messages first.
Step 2 – ‘Hack' at least two high-level structures for your story. Be guided by the So What Strategy book (pages 50 and 51) or your desk reference. Pick one and ‘fill it in' inside the planner using your own material but copying the structure.
Step 3 – Tweak these high-level, skeletal structures as needed making sure you stick to the overall storylining principles. This means that whether the story veers away from the chosen pattern, it still includes
- a short introduction that explains what you are discussing and why. Reference the 10 Point Test for definitions of the context and trigger etc.
- one single overarching thought that is powerful and articulated in 25 words or less
- one of two top-line supporting structures. Use a grouping or deductive structure where the relationships between the ideas are locked tight. This, of course, is where the challenge lies.
Step 4 – Prepare your communication, following the storyline structure to ensure your document conveys your thinking as clearly and concisely as possible.
I thought a schematic of the different generic structures might help so have included it below.
>> Download the reference here.
I hope that helps. More next week.
Kind regards,
Davina
PS – We will be opening the doors for new participants soon. Here is the latest brochure (refreshed today!) in case you would like to tell your friends and colleagues about the program.
