Story Frameworks and Chat GPT.

Everyone knows the power of stories in business.

But what most don’t know is this.

Any popular and effective story framework can be used to create an original story with Chat GPT.

Here are some examples.

Obviously you have to edit them to give them the human touch.

(this can easily be done with a copyediting prompt.)

Here are some story frameworks you can “plug” into Chat GPT to give your story a starting point.

(I never liked writers block anyway.)

Storytelling frameworks are structured approaches that help in crafting compelling narratives, whether for writing, business, film, or other creative endeavours. Here are five well-known frameworks for storytelling:

1.??? The Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Popularized by Joseph Campbell in "The Hero with a Thousand Faces," this framework outlines a common pattern found in many narratives around the world. It involves a hero who goes on an adventure, faces and overcomes trials, and then returns home transformed. The Hero's Journey is divided into three main sections: Departure, Initiation, and Return, each with its own set of stages.

2.??? The Three-Act Structure: Common in screenwriting and novels, this framework divides the story into three parts: Setup, Confrontation, and Resolution. In the first act, the setting is established, and the main problem is introduced. The second act escalates the conflict and builds tension, leading to the climax. The third act resolves the conflict and ties up loose ends, providing closure to the story.

3.??? Freytag’s Pyramid: Developed by Gustav Freytag, this model is often used to analyze the plot structure of plays and stories. It consists of five parts: Exposition (introduction of setting and characters), Rising Action (build-up of conflict), Climax (turning point), Falling Action (consequences of the climax), and Denouement (resolution and conclusion).

4.??? The Pixar Pitch: This storytelling framework was used by Pixar to create compelling stories for its animated films. It follows a simple template: "Once upon a time, there was ___. Every day, ___. One day ___. Because of that, ___. Because of that, ___. Until finally ___." This structure emphasizes the cause-and-effect chain that drives the narrative forward.

5.??? The Story Spine: Originating from improvisational theatre, the Story Spine is a simple yet effective framework for creating stories. It starts with "Once upon a time" and follows with a series of prompts: "And every day," "But one day," "And because of that," repeated three times, leading to "Until finally" and concluding with "And ever since that day." This framework is designed to generate a coherent narrative by guiding the storyteller through the creation of a beginning, middle, and end.

Each of these frameworks offers a unique approach to storytelling, helping storytellers structure their narratives in a way that captivates and engages their audience.

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The P.I.G framework focuses on creating a narrative that 'punches' the audience emotionally, making them feel the problem or pain point very acutely before introducing the solution or product as a reliever to their pain. The idea is to tell a story that makes the listener or reader feel understood and seen, by articulating their fears, desires, or frustrations more clearly than they might be able to themselves.

While the exact steps or components of the P.I.G framework might not be as universally recognized or outlined as some other storytelling frameworks, the core principles involve:

1.??? Identifying the Core Emotional Trigger: Understand the primary emotion or problem your audience is experiencing that your product or solution can address.

2.??? Amplifying the Pain or Problem: Through storytelling, heighten the sense of urgency or need by emphasizing how this problem impacts their life, making the audience feel the 'punch in the gut.'

3.??? Offering a Relatable Hero or Journey: Introduce a story or character that the audience can relate to, who has faced and overcome the same problem with the help of your product or solution.

4.??? Presenting the Solution: After fully engaging the audience's emotions and making them feel the weight of their problem, introduce your product or solution as the way out, the relief to their 'punch in the gut.'

5.??? Highlighting the Transformation: Detail the positive changes and benefits that come from using the solution, focusing on the emotional and practical payoff for the audience.

This framework is particularly powerful in direct response marketing and sales copywriting, where connecting on an emotional level can significantly influence decision-making and encourage

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Example of The Pixar Pitch for business.

Please note: No narrator was harmed during the making of this story. ??

A few years ago Emily felt invisible in her daily life.

Despite her best efforts.

Her contributions at work were overlooked.

Her social media posts had no traction.

And even in her circle of friends, she felt like a background character.

Every day, Emily's confidence dwindled.

She watched others get praised and recognized, wondering what she was doing wrong.

The pain of being unseen grew into a constant 'punch in the gut,' affecting her self-esteem and happiness.

She tried various self-help books and online courses, but nothing seemed to change her situation.

The problem was amplified to the point where Emily questioned her worth.

But then, one day, Emily stumbled upon a personal branding course created by a renowned expert in the field, Chris.

Chris had once been like Emily — overlooked and undervalued until he discovered the power of personal branding.

Through his course, he promised not only to teach the tactics of visibility but to transform how one is perceived by the world.

Reluctantly, Emily invested in the course, her last glimmer of hope.

The solution was presented through actionable steps, focusing on how to showcase her unique talents and how to communicate her value compellingly.

Chris's course was different… it felt as though he understood her struggles intimately, making the lessons deeply personal and impactful.

After completing the course, Emily's transformation was remarkable.

She began applying the strategies she had learned, slowly at first, but with growing confidence.

She learned to tell her story in a way that resonated, highlighting her achievements and unique perspective.

Soon, her work received the recognition it deserved, her social media engagement skyrocketed, and she found herself at the centre of her social circle.

And ever since that day, Emily's life has been full of colour and acknowledgment.

She no longer feels invisible but stands out as a vibrant, self-assured individual who knows her worth and how to express it.

Thanks to Chris's course, the fear that once held her back became the very thing that propelled her forward.

Here’s an example using Freytag’s Pyramid.

Lessons from Leo

Exposition: Alex, a first-time dog owner, adopts a lively and mischievous puppy named Leo.

Full of excitement and dreams of having the perfect companion, Alex quickly realizes that Leo is more than a handful.

Despite the chaos, Alex is determined to train Leo on his own, believing it to be a simple task.

Rising Action: As weeks pass, Alex's initial excitement turns to frustration.

Leo's endless energy and knack for getting into trouble prove overwhelming.

From chewed-up shoes to accidents on the carpet, Alex's patience is tested.

Despite numerous online guides and advice from friends, Alex struggles to find a training method that works, feeling increasingly inadequate and stressed.

The relationship between Alex and Leo strains as Alex's attempts at training become more about control than companionship.

Climax: The turning point comes when Alex comes home to find Leo has torn apart an important work document. Overcome with frustration, Alex yells at Leo, who cowers away in fear. Seeing the fear in Leo's eyes, Alex realizes that the problem isn't Leo's behavior but Alex's approach to training and understanding his puppy. This moment of self-awareness is the climax where Alex understands that change must come from within.

Falling Action: Motivated by this realization, Alex seeks help from a professional dog trainer.

The trainer emphasizes patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, guiding Alex to understand Leo's needs and behaviours better.

Alex learns to communicate with Leo more effectively, replacing frustration with empathy and mutual respect.

Training sessions become a time for bonding rather than conflict, and Alex discovers the joy in celebrating even the smallest of Leo's achievements.

Finale: The story concludes with Alex and Leo enjoying a peaceful walk in the park, a scene once thought impossible.

Alex reflects on the journey, realizing the transformation was not just in Leo but in Alex.

The challenges of training Leo taught Alex patience, empathy, and the importance of understanding others' perspectives. Alex's relationship with Leo becomes one of deep companionship and mutual respect, a testament to the lessons learned through their journey together.

There’s another story framework I love.

It’s the “Save the Cat” framework.

There are 15 steps, so it’s complex, however the story is riveting.

Here’s the example I have for you.

The Soap Whisperer: Vanessa's Victory

Imagine Vanessa, standing alone in her charming but silent soap shop.

Her creations, each a masterpiece of scent and colour, sit unnoticed.

This isn't just a shop… it's Vanessa's dream, fading away with each passing day.

"It's not about the soap, it's about the story," Mia insists, as they sit among unsold bars that smell like hope and hard work. Vanessa laughs it off. Stories can't pay the bills, can they?

Vanessa's life is a whirlwind of soap bubbles and unfulfilled dreams.

She's everywhere mixing, pouring, cutting, yet going nowhere. Her social media shouts into the void, and her bank account whispers back in echoes of despair.

A glossy flyer flutters through her mail slot:

"Realise Your Business's Potential: Master Direct-Response Copywriting."

It's like the universe throwing her a lifeline, or perhaps just another invoice waiting to be paid.

With a shrug that hides her last shred of optimism, Vanessa decides to attend.

Can the art of persuasion really transform her soap into the next big thing?

Vanessa's scepticism weighs heavy, but desperation nudges her forward.

She imagines her soaps whispering sweet nothings into the ears of potential buyers.

Ridiculous, right?

Armed with nothing but a pen and a notepad, Vanessa dives headfirst into the world of copywriting.

It's like learning a new language—one where her soaps get to tell their own tantalizing tales.

Mia becomes the Watson to her Sherlock in this marketing mystery, offering a sounding board for Vanessa's burgeoning copywriting skills.

Their friendship blossoms amidst metaphors and market strategies, proving that every hero needs a sidekick.

Vanessa's descriptions start to sizzle, her emails crackle with personality, and her social media posts pop with pizzazz.

Customers aren't just buying soap; they're buying into a dream.

Vanessa watches, wide-eyed, as her once-quiet shop buzzes to life.

A social media titan stumbles upon Vanessa's vibrant website. Enchanted, they shower her soaps in digital glory, catapulting Vanessa from soap-maker to sensation overnight.

With fame comes chaos.

Orders pile up like mountains, and Vanessa's dream threatens to crumble under its own success.

Her workshop becomes a battleground, each unsent package a reminder of her potential downfall.

Vanessa finds herself amidst a fortress of soap, contemplating surrender.

The whispers of failure are louder than ever, drowning out the scent of lavender and success.

It's Mia who holds the mirror up to Vanessa, reflecting a woman who turned soap into stories, who sparked joy with just her words.

Vanessa's journey wasn't about selling soap… it was about believing in her voice.

Rejuvenated, Vanessa assembles a team as diverse and vibrant as her product line.

Together, they streamline the chaos, turning her soap saga into a well-oiled machine.

Vanessa's relaunch is a spectacle of scents and success.

Her shop doesn't just sell soap; it sells stories, dreams, and a dollop of hope.

Vanessa has crafted more than a brand; she's built a sanctuary for the senses.

Vanessa, amidst a shop alive with chatter and charm, realizes her ambition wasn't just to sell soap; it was to connect, to comfort, to conquer.

And as she looks out at the crowd, she knows she's done just that.

Now that you know this frameworks, pick the one that resonates with you.

And on that note… the book, “Resonate – present visual stories that will transform audiences” by Nancy Duarte is a must have for business storytellers.

That has just triggered a joke by Stuart Francis.

“I recently wrote my autobiography, haven’t been able to sell a single copy. Story of my life.”