Share a case study or start of fundraising narrative to better craft your story.

Top Storytelling Frameworks

1. The Hero’s Journey

• Structure: Three acts (Departure, Initiation, Return) with 17 steps total.
• Key Elements:
• Ordinary World: Protagonist’s routine life.
• Call to Adventure: Problem or challenge arises.
• Mentorship: Guidance to overcome obstacles.
• Transformation: Protagonist evolves through trials.
• Return: Shares newfound wisdom or success.
• Use Case: Case studies, brand origin stories (e.g., Apple’s innovation narrative)[1][4][5][7].

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2. The Three-Act Structure

• Structure: Setup → Confrontation → Resolution.
• Key Elements:
• Setup: Introduces characters and conflict.
• Confrontation: Builds tension through challenges.
• Resolution: Resolves conflict, shows transformation.
• Example: Sales pitches, product launches (e.g., Tesla’s mission to transition to sustainable energy)[1][3].

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3. Pixar Story Framework (Pixar Pitch)

• Structure: Six-step narrative arc:

1. Once upon a time…
2. Every day…
3. One day…
4. Because of that…
5. Until finally…
6. And ever since then…

• Use Case: Brand storytelling, social media campaigns (e.g., Finding Nemo’s emotional journey)[1][2][5].

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4. ABT (And, But, Therefore)

• Structure: Simplifies stories into three parts:
• And: Establishes context.
• But: Introduces conflict.
• Therefore: Resolves with a solution.
• Example: Elevator pitches (e.g., logistics company solving delivery delays)[1][3].

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5. The Sparkline Method

• Structure: Contrasts “what is” with “what could be.”
• Key Elements:
• Current Reality: Pain points or challenges.
• Vision: Ideal future state.
• Pathway: Steps to achieve the vision.
• Example: Visionary keynotes (e.g., Tesla’s mission statement)[1].

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6. StoryBrand Framework

• Structure: Positions the customer as the hero.
• Key Elements:
• Problem: Customer’s challenge.
• Guide: Brand as mentor.
• Solution: Product/service as the answer.
• Success: Transformed customer outcome.
• Use Case: Marketing copy, website messaging[3][4].

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7. The Nested Loop Technique

• Structure: Layers interconnected stories around a central theme.
• Example: Salesforce’s Dreamforce keynotes, where customer stories tie back to digital transformation[1].

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8. Rags-to-Riches

• Structure: Protagonist overcomes adversity to achieve success.
• Example: Oprah Winfrey’s rise from poverty or J.K. Rowling’s journey[2][7].

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9. The Big Idea Framework

• Structure: Presents a revolutionary concept through contrast.
• Example: Steve Jobs’ 2007 iPhone launch, contrasting competitors’ limitations with Apple’s innovation[2].

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10. Freytag’s Pyramid

• Structure: Five stages: Exposition → Rising Action → Climax → Falling Action → Resolution.
• Use Case: Dramatic narratives, training materials[3].

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11. The Golden Circle (Simon Sinek)

• Structure: Why → How → What.
• Example: Mission-driven messaging (e.g., nonprofits explaining their purpose)[5].

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12. The 7 Basic Story Types

• Categories:

1. Underdog (vs. a larger foe).
2. Quest (goal-oriented journey).
3. Journey/Return (transformational wandering).
4. Rags to Riches.
5. Comedy (community/clarity).
6. Tragedy (cautionary tale).
7. Rebirth (redemption arc).

• Example: Grassroots campaigns (Underdog), personal growth blogs (Journey/Return)[7].

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Additional Business-Focused Frameworks

• DIBBs: Data → Insight → Belief → Bet (strategic planning)[6].
• Before-After-Bridge: Problem → Vision → Solution[6].
• Problem-Agitate-Solve: Amplify pain points before offering relief[6].

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These frameworks help structure narratives to engage audiences, whether for brand building, sales, or internal communication. Choosing the right one depends on the context, audience, and desired emotional impact.

Sources

1. https://makemedia.ai/business-storytelling-framework/
2. https://brandminds.com/5-successful-storytelling-frameworks/
3. https://susannagebauer.com/blog/business-storytelling-frameworks/
4. https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/two-simple-frameworks-thatll-make-you-a-better-storyteller-in-business-and-in-life
5. https://writingcooperative.com/3-storytelling-frameworks-i-am-using-to-transform-my-content-writing-8433c83ce87e
6. https://kevanlee.substack.com/p/435-storytelling-frameworks
7. http://storybistro.com/7-story-frameworks/

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