A Simple Rule for Dynamic Storytelling

There are many tips and tricks storytellers use to make their work more exciting, memorable, and moving. When we speak to our team members, company stake holders, or even our friends, we too want to leave a lasting impression.?But when we have a lot to present, sometimes it can be hard to make sure all the pieces are connected in a seamless and captivating way.

One easy method will solve all that?and it comes from a seemingly unlikely source:?South Park.

Co-creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker have developed a simple fix when your story just doesn’t seem to have a sense of cause & effect and lacks the rising and falling action that adds tension and momentum to what you’re writing or saying. It’s this:

Replace?and then?with either?but?or?therefore.

For example, “we discovered a problem with the new update, and then we formed a team to figure out the snag, and then we found the bug, and then we resolved the issue.” These are plot points, not a story. Let’s try the?But, Therefore Rule: “we discovered a problem with the new update,?therefore?we formed a team to figure out the snag,?but?when we found the bug it turned out to be more complicated than we expected,?therefore?we had to shut down the site,?but?our team is so good that we resolved the issue in no time,?therefore?the site is up and running better than ever.”

When you start to think in?but?and?therefore,?you’ll find more dynamic ways to tell your stories?and begin to include information that helps the listener follow exactly what you’re saying and at the same time make them more emotionally engaged!

Check out Matt and Trey talking about the But, Therefore Rule?here .