“Stories are more important than having opposable thumbs,” said Shonda Rhimes, a prominent television producer and screenwriter, in an interview with The Times. This bold statement invites us to reflect on the importance of stories in our lives.
Through stories, we build an awareness of who we are—as individuals, within our families, and as part of our communities. They help us make sense of the historical contexts that shape the present. At the same time, stories offer us the opportunity to see and experience the world through someone else’s eyes. For a moment—in the dim light of a movie theater or hunched over a book—we feel the emotions of the characters as if they were our own. You know the feeling: tears, fear, excitement, thrill, laughter…
It’s a natural and time-tested way to pass down values to future generations.
How It Works
Stories capture various human experiences, as well as the experiences of animals or even objects (perhaps this reminds you of your literature teacher and the term personification). This is where their power lies—they draw from both our past and present experiences. Thanks to our own experiences, desires, and fulfilled or unfulfilled dreams, we can understand and empathize with similar situations in the lives of others.
For example: Oh, she didn’t get it right the first time either! Or: He also had to navigate a divorce and has three kids. Or even: She didn’t like working with a corrupt boss either! The power of stories lies in their ability to speak a universal language—the language of shared human experiences.
We would be mistaken, however, to think that stories exist fully formed on their own—like something that just needs to be written down. It’s not that simple. A story needs to be crafted, carefully shaped, and deliberately refined. Anton Pavlovich Chekhov famously compared writing a story to sculpting, where you remove everything unnecessary until only the pure form remains. Or take his principle of "Chekhov’s gun": If a gun hangs on the wall in the first act, it must be fired later.
Writing stories is a highly subjective process of selecting and arranging their parts. Today, the most successful stories (like Hollywood blockbusters) often use the so-called High Concept approach. This is a carefully designed and time-tested method that guides authors in structuring their narratives. It dictates, for example, when to challenge the protagonist with another obstacle, when to reveal something from their past, or how to evoke sympathy for a villain.
For everyday professional communication, it’s not necessary to study complex dramatic structures in detail. When creating social media posts, blogs, articles, or podcasts, a simple structure—introduction, body, and conclusion—usually suffices.
The High Concept approach, however, isn’t just about structure. It can also inspire us in how we choose the protagonist for our stories. One of its core principles is that the ideal hero is someone who must overcome the greatest obstacles to achieve their goal. If, in addition, they undergo a profound internal transformation and, in the end, gain something far more valuable than what they initially sought—so much the better.
Can you think of someone who fits this description?
How to Recognize a Good Story: Unexpected Perspectives and Vulnerability
When writing a story, ask yourself: Am I enjoying what I’m creating? Does it make me laugh, draw me in, or does it already bore me to death? If you enjoy it, there’s a good chance your audience will too.
A good story can offer an unexpected perspective on familiar situations. A great example is the book On Boxing by Joyce Carol Oates. “Boxing isn’t about giving punches; it’s about taking them and enduring pain.” This insight presents a fresh view of the fight in the ring—it transforms it from a purely physical struggle for victory into the boxer’s inner battle, perhaps even a journey of self-discovery: How many punches can I take? What is still worth fighting for?
The boxer shifts from being a “machine for victory” to a vulnerable human being. This perspective reveals both their strength and weaknesses, creating space for deeper understanding and empathy.
During a report on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, journalist Robin Roberts couldn’t hold back her tears. At that moment, she was convinced she would lose her job. As a professional, she knew she was expected to evaluate the situation as objectively and factually as possible. Tears, however, revealed emotions that, according to conventional standards, didn’t belong in a report.
Robin Roberts didn’t lose her job. Her expression of emotions, which exposed her vulnerability, connected viewers with the community she was talking about and even led to real financial assistance for those who needed it most. It was undoubtedly an extraordinary situation, but it beautifully illustrates that vulnerability can, in certain cases, significantly enhance the power of a story.
Stories aren’t just about words—they’re about the connection they create between the storyteller and the listener. Working with vulnerability—whether our own or that of our main characters—can deepen that connection even further.
Communicating based on vulnerability has its own set of rules. When approached with intention, it can project strength and enable for open sharing of challenges, failures, and learning experiences. This type of transparent communication creates an environment of trust within the organization as well as with external stakeholders. In storytelling, it adds authenticity and creates opportunities to build meaningful connections with audiences. Therefore, it is crucial to select and understand our audiences first and tailor communication accordingly, ensuring it remains purposeful and does not come across as oversharing or unprepared. This approach is emphasized by Brené Brown, who stresses that vulnerability must have boundaries and a clear purpose. When handled correctly, vulnerability allows us to communicate with true authenticity—aligned with our values, sincere in our intent, and respectful of the people whose stories we are sharing.
Sources:
https://shalinisardana.wordpress.com/2013/11/01/on-boxing-by-joyce-carol-oates/
https://www.ted.com/talks/shonda_rhimes_and_cyndi_stivers_the_future_of_storytelling?subtitle=en
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=10153072361972061
Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. Gotham Books.
Author: Ľubica Stanek, consultant and trainer in communication, narratives and storytelling at PDCS.
Background illustration: BullRun
This piece was published in partnership with PDCS - Partners for Democratic Change Slovakia
You can also read this article in Slovak here!
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