Storyworthy

Story Worthy

Every single person in one way or another has an amazing story to tell. One may be able to tell it in a way that is life changing, while others not so much. But there is always an element that allows us to capture people’s attention. Within this lesson we dived deeper into how stories capture attention and how to do it. I thought this would be particularly interesting to write and reflect on as for my internship I will be doing a lot of storytelling and copywriting.

5 Seconds

One of the first frameworks we were introduced to was that every story only takes 5 seconds to tell.  That in the whole story there is one fundamental trust of success: regardless of length/depth/tone the story has there is always a 5 second moment in that life the brings the moment of greatest clarity. 

These 5 seconds can be anything as long as it fundamentally changes your life forever (can be big or small). Some typical examples can be falling in/out of love, forgiveness, acceptance, death, life-altering events. However we should be aware that there are other moments present in the story that may move the audience emotionally but just for entertainment purposes, and this is called a Romp.

An interesting well known example of this framework is in Jurassic Park. The dinosaurs are used to entertain and excite their audience. The story follows a couple (not married), the guy is unwilling to entertain the thought of having kids as he does not like them. He later finds himself in the company of two kids later on in the story, risking his life for these kids, and coming to understand that children are compelling people and changing his mind about how he feels about them… a true transformation.

Significant Objects Project

This was an experimental study by Rob Walker and Joshua Glenn in which they explore the relationship between storytelling and the perceived value of ordinary cheap objects. They bought objects from thrift stores and wrote fictional stories giving the objects a unique and compelling backstory. What they found out was that compelling stories increased the perceived value of objects, and that they can play an important role in shaping perception of value and meaning.

Reflecting on my own life in relation to their findings I recently came across a second hand Italian crucifix for sale. The lady selling it had a long story about that her father was a devout Catholic who recently passed and had many things she wanted to sell. The crucifix itself was bought in Italy, blessed, and is older than me. Knowing that it helped someone else on their journey with faith and the Lord made me want to purchase the product more and appreciate it rather than buying something mass produced over Temu. A good story will always have emotional connection, using science and psychology to connect with other people on another level. 

First-Last-Best-Worst

Rasmus introduced us to a storytelling technique exercise which is used to create personal stories and memories. With powerful prompts it allows encouragement for people to reflect on significant experiences.

This is what I came up with: 

Prompt = Ocean  

First 

My first memory of the ocean is when I was living in the Philippines and we visited my mum’s friends on the island of Boracay. It was my first time there and I remember the white sands, clear blue waters, coconuts and palm trees. My brother, Dad, and I were exploring the walkway from the hotel to the beach and it was like Heaven on Earth  

Last  

The first time I visited home after Corona Lockdown (didn’t see my family for three years) in Japan, we took a road trip to several places in Japan since there weren’t any tourists because they weren’t allowed in the country, so it was nice. We went to one of the beaches where the Olympics took place in 2021. It was very nice because I love to do everything and anything with my family, and we just admired the ocean from the shore remembering the times when I was living at home. 

Best 

After I completed my Diving exam in the Philippines for Christmas in 2017, which I was so excited for because it’s something my Dad and I do together all the time when we travel. This time I was able to explore new areas in the ocean especially spots where my Dad told me stories about. We visited a sunken plane off the coast of Boracay and saw many sea turtles (my favorite animal) and it was my favorite memory and I have with my Dad because it’s a passion he shared with me, and I love my Dad so much. 

Worst 

I was on a small ferry somewhere in the world with my family, probably from Sweden or Bornholm. The waters were very rough and a storm was coming in. A huge wave overtook the ship and everyone started puking. I legit thought I was going to die right there and then because I saw Titanic not that long ago and I started crying and puking and thinking me and my family were going to die. The ocean is a scary place. 

Prompt = Running  

First 

It was in my kindergarten in Japan. We took a field trip to the park next door for lunch. Everyone is matching green hats and bright green numbered bibs. We all held hands while walking there but as soon as we reached the huge grass field and the teacher counted down until when we could run, on 3, everyone ran as fast as they could somewhere just because we were so full of energy. 

Last 

This was THE football practice I dislocated my knee at. It was just my friend Chloe, I, and 3 other girls that showed up for practice today so we trained with the boys. This particular practice was nothing special, I enjoy playing football more with them, however there was this instance where I was running and had to change direction quickly. There was this instant pain in my knee and I fell to the group screaming of pain. I look at my leg and my knee cap is on the side of my leg. I still can’t run to this day because of it. 

Best 

My school in Japan had a track and field team which I was a part of. We had a meet after the summer in which all the international schools met. I was leading in all events however I was a bit scared for the last event which was the 1500m. I took my time and pace running the long distance, but towards the end I started to get nervous as I didn’t think I would be able to win and 2 girls passed me. I get this burst of energy because I just refuse to lose, so I push myself past those two girls and cross the finish line winning all the events. 

Worst 

Same and the last one – no more football for me 🙁 football is my passion 🙁  

5 Second Moment  

• During a normal football practice, that decision to turn quick while running, a sharp pain came that threw me to the ground screaming, my kneecap sitting on the left side of my leg an injury that changed everything for me. 

Start With The End 

• It was just another football practice, nothing out of the ordinary, with only a handful of us girls joining the boys on the field that day. But what started as a routine session quickly turned into a moment that would change everything for me. 

The Story  

It was just another football practice, nothing out of the ordinary. Only a handful of us girls had shown up that day, so we joined the boys for the session. I always enjoyed playing with them. The intensity, the pace, it pushed me to be better. The weather was typical, the drills familiar, and the togetherness was just as strong as ever. 

But then, in a split second, everything changed. 

We were in the middle of a drill, one that required quick direction changes. I was sprinting down the field, focused on the ball, when I had to pivot suddenly. As soon as I shifted my weight, a sharp, searing pain shot through my knee. I collapsed to the ground, screaming in agony. My heart pounded, not just from the pain, but from the fear of what I knew had happened. I dared to look down and saw my kneecap completely out of place, sitting unnaturally on the side of my leg. 

At that moment, time seemed to stop. The game, the field, the players all of it faded away as I was consumed by the intense pain and the horrifying sight of my knee. Chloe and the others rushed to my side, their faces a mix of concern and disbelief. 

That day, my life changed in a way I never anticipated. I used to run effortlessly, but now, even a simple jog is out of reach. The injury took more than just my ability to play football; it took away a part of my freedom, a part of who I was. Even today, when I think back to that practice, it’s not the drills or the game I remember, it’s the pain, the fear, and the realization that nothing would ever be the same. 

Reflection

I find stories or anything to do with drawing in attention extremely hard. I can’t exactly articulate myself as well on paper as I do with my words, but when broken down to with structures, frameworks, and exercises the whole ordeal becomes very enjoyable. It’s definitely an art in its own form which many have mastered, and one I wish to master.