How to tell better stories with Matthew Dicks (Storyworthy)

Matthew Dicks developed a storytelling formula:

• The 5-Second Rule: You have to hook your audience in the first 5 seconds of your story, by starting in the middle of the action, introducing a conflict, or creating curiosity
• The Transformation:The change that you or someone else undergoes as a result of the story
• The Stakes: Reasons why your audience should care
• The Moments: Scenes, actions & dialogues that make up the story. Should be vivid, detailed & should serve a purpose
• The Buttons: The words you use to end your story. They should be memorable, surprising, or emotional

1. Crystal Ball - Predict the negative consequences if the hero fails to act

2. Hourglass - Slow down time and focus on a potential disaster

3. The Question - Pose an intriguing question that requires resolution

4. Breadcrumbs - Drop hints throughout the story to create a reveal at the end

5. Elephant - Introduce a significant element at the beginning to create suspense