5 Things I Learned from Aaron Sorkin About Storytelling

Aaron Sorkin is one of the greatest screenwriters of all time. His work includes TV shows like "The West Wing" and films such as "A Few Good Men" and "The Social Network".

His ability to create complex characters and rich dialogue is second to none. Here are 6 things I've learned about storytelling and how to apply them to your business.

#1 Don't Talk About Who Your Character Is, Talk About What They Want:

Aaron says “It all boils down to intention and obstacles. Somebody wants something and something standing in their way.”

The greater the stakes, and the more insurmountable the obstacles, the better the story will be.

Application:

This is a great insight you can use when crafting your origin story. Don't just talk about how successful you are. Make sure you take time to share the struggle.

Be honest about your current failures and shortcoming as well. Characters that have no flaws are boring. It's why Marvel characters like Spiderman and Wolverine are more interesting than Superman or Wonder Woman.

#2 Needs Are Better Than Wants:?

A character who NEEDS something is far more interesting than one that just wants something. Starvation beats hunger.

Raising the stakes your character is playing for also gives you the opportunity to define who they are.

The things a character will do, and the lengths they will go to get what they want is what defines who that character is. We often root for the anti-hero because we support what they're fighting for.

Application:

Think of ways you can raise the stakes in the minds of your customers. How can you turn up the risk of inaction while making the odds of success seem like a foregone conclusion?

Remember, we're all the hero of our own story. When you communicate with your audience never forget that. Turn up the stakes in their life and let them fill in the rest.

#3 Characters That Fail Are More Likable And Interesting Than Those That Only Succeed:?

Sorkin says, "There's a romance in trying honorable things." He goes on to say, "My characters fail, and they fail a lot."

Who doesn't root for the underdog when the stakes are high and the cause is just? Seeing them fail is actually endearing. I just makes us love them more.

When failure is always an option we sit at the edge of our seat with anticipation.

Application:

At every stage of your growth, both personally and professionally, you're trying new things and failing miserably. Never be afraid to share those inadequacies.

#4 A Great Character Bucks Convention to Get What They Want:?

Nobody likes a straight lace, by the book character. Great characters don't apologize for breaking the rules. We love characters like Dirty Harry and Deadpool because they don't conform to convention. They don't care what anyone else thinks.

Application:

Have the courage to break free from the crowd. To say the thing no one is willing to say. Call out the industry leaders who've grown tired and complacent. Be irreverent and bold.

Not only will this set you apart from everyone else. It will also make you a magnet to your ideal customer.

#5 Success is Never Final:?

Sorkin rarely ends his story with Happily Ever After. A great example of this was at the end of "Charlie Willson's War".

After the Russians were defeated and everyone is celebrating in Washington, the rogue CIA agent (Philip Seymour Hoffman) ruins the event by telling Charlie (Tom Hanks) that the Taliban "crazies" are starting to take over.

Sorkin wants you to know that the story still continues, even after the movie ends.

Application:

Never tell your story without talking about what you're working on NOW. Remind the audience that you're just getting started. That your story is far from over. Give them a reason to keep following and listening.

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