'Story-Telling'

(Deutsche Version ->)

Did you know that virtually every block-buster film follows a similar script structure? It goes like this:

There's a problem

And not just any problem, but a HUGE one. No one knows what to do. It usually starts with characters saying things like, ‘I think there's a storm coming.’ Or, ’Is it just me, or were those lions out there in the bushes?` Moments later, they're shouting:

‘It's no use! We're not going to make it!’

And, indeed, some of them don’t …

This builds until everything seems utterly hopeless. No matter what the characters do, nothing works. Then, ‘unexpectedly’, someone—often the least obvious character—comes up with a plan. Risky though it may be, it’s still a plan.

There just might be a solution

Now we see them working on this plan. It's like The A-Team when that iconic tune starts. If the movie is well-made, the tension eases, making way for a ‘feel-good’ moment. Audiences love watching the characters work toward solving the problem.

We're so happy, we could cry ...

Because, in the end, our heroes managed to pull off this one-in-a-million solution!

The audience leaves the theatre, tears in their eyes, completely awestruck by such heroism, ingenuity, and decisiveness (and the music score helped, too).

Now it’s your turn

This script doesn’t just work for Hollywood blockbusters; it works perfectly for your presentations too. Follow this structure, and your audience will be glued to their seats.

And that’s still not all

It’s just as effective when you're seeking a breakthrough on a new product, marketing plan, or important decision. Simply adapt this script to your context, start with the end in mind, and imagine the story of how you got there.

Let it bring tears to your eyes!

That’s all

RvdL

This article is part of the go-PARALLAX series on decision-making, problem-solving, and sparking innovation.

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