How can you bust myths with storytelling?

2 How to find the myth

Before you can bust a myth, you need to identify it precisely and comprehend its origins and implications. A myth is a false or distorted belief that is accepted as true or plausible by many people, usually due to cultural, social, or psychological factors. Such myths can take the form of stereotypes, generalizations, exaggerations, or oversimplifications. Therefore, to find the myth, you must research and analyze your topic and your audience. Ask yourself: what is the primary myth that you want to bust? Why is it a myth? What facts and logic disprove it? Who believes in the myth and why? What are their motivations, values, and emotions? How does the myth affect your audience and your goals? What are the consequences and risks of the myth?

3 How to craft the story

To craft a story that can bust a myth, you need to consider various elements. Utilize a classic story structure, such as the hero's journey, the three-act structure, or the problem-solution structure, to organize your story and create a clear arc and flow. Choose a theme that relates to your topic and your goal, such as justice, freedom, courage, or innovation, and use it to connect your story to your audience's values and emotions. Define the purpose of your story and use it to guide your message and tone. Create relatable and realistic characters that can represent your audience, your myth-busters, or your myth-makers. Use vivid and specific settings that can create a context and a contrast for your story. Incorporate conflicts that can create tension and interest for your story. Lastly, include resolutions that can create satisfaction and action for your story. All of these elements will help show the impact of the myth and the facts.

4 How to deliver the story

Once you have crafted your story, you need to deliver it effectively to your audience. Depending on the medium and format, you may employ various techniques and strategies to present your story. For example, use a confident and conversational voice to convey credibility and personality, and simple and clear language to avoid confusion. Additionally, consider relevant and appealing images that can illustrate your story, as well as appropriate and authentic emotions that can resonate with your audience. You may also use subtle humor to lighten your story, as well as a clear call to action that can direct your audience to the next step. All of these strategies can help engage and persuade your audience, build rapport and trust, create impact and change.

5 How to measure the impact

Finally, you need to measure the impact of your story on your audience and your goal. Depending on your purpose and context, you may use different methods and metrics to evaluate your story, such as collecting feedback from your audience and stakeholders through surveys, interviews, reviews, or comments to assess their satisfaction, understanding, and attitude. Additionally, you can use analytics, observations, tests, or experiments to track behavior from your audience and stakeholders in order to measure their engagement, retention, and action. Lastly, you can use benchmarks, indicators, goals, or objectives to compare outcome before and after your story in order to determine your effectiveness, efficiency, and impact.