Storytelling in a Digital Age

Once upon a time in the land of Digitalion there lived an inspired denizen known as Strategistico, a spinner of tales and yarns that resulted in inspiration and engagement by all.

One day, he was summoned by the most powerful Lord in the Land, Brandelot, whose intense desire was to outshine all other contenders to his rule. He had a new adventure unlike anything before that he wanted to make known to all, an epic and glorious opportunity for which he needed a unique tale to be told. He wanted this tale to exceed the reach of all previous tales, and for those that heard it to excitedly share it with others as well. Of course, this new effort should not cost too much coin. This chronicle had to inspire passion and use unheard of creativity in order to deliver participation with an ever growing number of citizens across the Land.

Brandelot had reason for concern. In recent times, other storytellers in the land had forgotten the wonder that came from creating the unique. This caused many of them to fall out of favor with the Lords of the Land. These storytellers had become lazy and complacent, often droning on in the same way time after time, causing tales to be indistinguishable. They were failing to employ the keys to unlocking uniqueness and amazement: a focus on distinctive elements. But the most egregious of transgressions among these other storytellers was forgetting the importance of the “Storytellers Arc” --- leading the participant from awareness, to understanding, to action then recommendation.

But Brandelot had nothing to fear when it came to relying on Strategistico, whose craft was honed to perfection. Strategistico had learned early on the importance of focus in his tales, of finding the most important element to build upon and elaborate. He knew that citizens were tired of the repetition they were experiencing and were yearning for freshness in every tale. The stories they enjoyed and responded to had to catch them off guard, pique their curiosity or offer a surprise or two. And including some conflict, whether subtle or overt, allowed for opposing ideas to be introduced that helped the participant arrive at a valued resolution. Strategistico’s stories were always of highest quality, with care and concern not only for the approach but also to the physical reward to be provided. Strategistco deftly employed the Storytellers Arc, using a clear structure that included a beginning, middle and end, enabling all to understand and engage with the greatest of ease.

In the end, the task was received, the outcome assured, and the citizens moved to action and participation. Strategistico’s tale was indeed unlike any the realm had ever encountered. It was simple yet powerful, it was direct yet nuanced, it made it easy to personally engage while being clever enough to share with others. Brandelot was not only impressed but also reassured that all would be well in the Land as long as storytellers told their tales in the way that had been demonstrated. As others competed for prominence throughout Digitalion, for now… all things were good with Strategistico leading the way.