As I look back on these last few months, I think this Digital Communication course I’m currently taking has been the most useful of the 4 social media courses I’ve taken so far. I’ve enjoyed it the most, anyway. It’s pushed me to get off my butt and write and I need that. I love blogging but I spend so much time on writing and social media at work that I can slack off when it comes to putting my own words out there.

Throughout this course, storytelling is the word that has stuck with me. I’ve taken it to heart that you, the reader, need to feel as though we’re having a real conversation. Like right now, imagine we’re chilling with a coffee & I’m telling you what I’ve learned over the last few months. It’s comfortable, it flows and it feels natural.  

I want to tell stories that inspire action; I want my audience to think, to comment, to do anything but nothing. I want to initiate an exchange – my words & experiences for yours. My actions to inspire yours or vice versa. I tell a wicked story in person, but it’s a totally different thing to tell an awesome story on a computer screen.

As I reflect on the course material, several rules are clear:

• Write actively. Nobody responds to passive writing.
• Short, simple stories are more effective than long, complicated tales. 
• Always include a call to action. Ask people to engage. Give them a reason to. 

Whether I’ll nail all of these every time is a completely different story but at least I know what to aim for!

One of my favourite bloggers, Leo Wildrich, writes about storytelling and the science behind it. His post “What listening to a story does to our brains” describes why the powerful technique of storytelling is so important when connecting with people.

Do you have any storytelling rules or tips to share?