A long time ago Gregory Bateson told the story: "There was once a man who had a computer, and he asked it, "Do you compute that you will ever be able to think like a human being?" And after assorted grindings and beepings, a slip of paper came out of the computer that said, "That reminds me of a story . . . " Computers no longer answer with slips of paper. But, the point that human beings are story tellers and story participants is universally true. Most decisions are informed by emotional response; and stories, not facts, generate emotional response.Stories can be simple and powerful. In three acts:
- Establish the context; state the problem.
- Narrative—How does the main character works to overcome the problem.
- End with a call to action.
There are other frameworks to hang a story on:
The Pixar Pitch
- Once upon a time there was _________.
- Every day _________.
- One day _________.
- Because of that _________.
- Because of that _________.
- Until finally _________.
For more information contact District PR Chair Martha Weaver