Personal storytelling
OK, let’s start to level up your personal storytelling. The Hero’s Journey is a classic narrative structure used across some of the greatest stories ever told. And though it might feel a little ‘grand’ once you first encounter it, it can be applied to any kind of story you might want to tell.
There are four main stages of The Hero’s Journey are:
- Departure: What was life like before the pivotal moment?
- Initiation: What trials did you go through? Who were your allies or adversaries?
- Return: What’s changed for you since?
Read:
- To further your knowledge of The Hero’s Journey, read this excellent exploration c/o the Masterclass website: Writing 101: What Is the Hero’s Journey?
- For those keen on going even more in-depth, Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” is the ‘origin story’ of The Hero’s Journey, and there, is a brilliant read.
OPTIONAL
Exercise: Shaping Your Personal Story
OK, you’ve got your pivotal moment and the Hero’s Journey as your framework. Let’s bring it all together and build a narrative that’s as compelling as it is authentically you.
Work with the following headlines to structure your story out:
Step 1: Departure – Set the Scene
- Describe your ‘before’ state in a sentence or two.
- Paint a vivid picture, so anyone listening can step into your world.
Step 2: Initiation – Trials & Triumphs
- List the challenges you faced. Were there any surprising allies or adversaries along the way?
- Think about the emotional rollercoaster. Were there lows before the highs? Did you experience doubt before the eureka moments?
- ….remember, it’s the gritty details that make a story relatable.
Step 3: Return – The Transformation
- How have you changed? And what was the lightbulb moment that brought on this change?
- Was there a point of no return, after which you knew things would never be the same?
- How have you applied your newfound wisdom or skills?
Step 4: The Moral – The Takeaway
- What’s the one thing you want people to remember after hearing your story?
- Is there a universal lesson or is it more of a personal insight?
- …this is your story’s big moment to your listeners, so stick the landing!