Use the storytelling formulas that will never leave you stuck again
Tired of staring at a blank page? Good news! These 20 storytelling formulas will help you create compelling stories every time. You will never feel stuck again.
Each formula is simple, proven, and ready to use. You can apply them to blog posts, videos, pitches, or personal stories. Let’s dive in and make storytelling fun and easy for you!
Why You Need Storytelling Formulas
Formulas give your ideas clear structure. They help you start fast and finish strong. Your stories become more engaging and persuasive.
You connect better with your audience. People remember stories that flow naturally. Ready to master them? Let’s explore these powerful tools together.
1. The Classic SCR Formula
Try the SCR Formula first. It stands for Situation, Complication, and Resolution.
Start with the Situation. Show your audience the normal world. Make them care about the problem.
Next, add the Complication. Explain what went wrong. Build tension and interest.
Finally, deliver the Resolution. Share the solution or lesson. Show how things improved.
Use SCR for sales pitches and educational talks. It makes complex ideas simple. You will sound clear and confident.
2. The Hero’s Journey Formula
The Hero’s Journey is a timeless favorite. It follows a character’s big transformation.
Begin in the Ordinary World. Show daily life. Then comes the Call to Adventure.
Your hero faces Trials and challenges. They learn important lessons. Finally, they Return Transformed.
This formula works great for brand stories and motivational content. It inspires growth and courage. Use it when you want to motivate your audience deeply.
3. Overcoming the Monster Formula
Face a big challenge? Use the Overcoming the Monster formula.
Introduce the Monster – the problem or enemy. Show why it threatens everyone.
Prepare for Battle. Share your plan. Expect some setbacks along the way.
End with victory through perseverance. Your audience feels inspired and united.
Politicians and leaders love this one. It builds courage and community spirit.
4. The Quest Formula
Teamwork shines in The Quest Formula.
Define a clear Mission. Everyone shares the same goal. Present exciting Challenges.
Face the Final Test together. Celebrate success as a team.
Use this for business stories and community projects. It highlights collaboration beautifully.
5. Rebirth Story Formula
The Rebirth Story shows powerful change. Start in a dark place. Show the Downfall.
Introduce a Chance for Redemption. Watch the character Emerge Transformed.
This formula sells hope. It convinces people that change is possible. Perfect for personal development and transformation stories.
6. Three-Act Formula
The Three-Act Formula feels natural and familiar.
- Act One: Introduce characters and setting.
- Act Two: Build the central conflict.
- Act Three: Deliver a satisfying resolution.
Writers use it in books, plays, and speeches. Your audience follows along easily.
7. Dean Koontz’s Classic Story Formula
Throw your hero into trouble immediately. Escalate the complications quickly.
Reach a dark, bleak moment. Then resolve the story powerfully.
This creates nonstop tension. Great for blog series and dramatic content.
8. In Media Res – Start in the Action
Hook your audience instantly. Begin In Media Res – right in the middle of action.
Use flashbacks to fill in context. Build to the climax. Finish with resolution.
Ideal for short videos and social media stories. Your viewers stay engaged from the first second.
9. Pixar’s 6-Part Formula
Pixar knows storytelling magic. Use their simple 6-part structure.
“Once upon a time…” sets the scene. “Every day…” shows normal life.
“Until one day…” brings change. “Because of that…” explains consequences.
Add another “Because of that…” to raise stakes. End with “Until finally…” for resolution.
Keep it emotional. Use it for brand stories and customer testimonials. It works every time.
10. Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle
Start with WHY – your deep purpose. Explain HOW you do it uniquely.
Finish with WHAT you offer.
Most people communicate backwards. You will stand out by leading with WHY.
This builds loyalty and emotional connection. Use it in pitches and team meetings.
11. The ABT Framework
ABT means And, But, Therefore.
Start with AND to create agreement. Add BUT to show the problem.
Finish with THEREFORE for your solution.
This keeps messages short and persuasive. Perfect for social media and executive updates.
12. What, So What, Now What Formula
State WHAT happened clearly. Explain SO WHAT – why it matters.
End with NOW WHAT – the next actions.
Use this in meetings and project reviews. It turns reflection into real progress.
13. Who-What-Why Formula
Introduce yourself powerfully.
Say who you are and your unique value. Explain what you help people achieve.
Finish with the bigger WHY.
This formula makes introductions memorable. Use it in bios, networking, and pitches.
14. Dan Harmon’s Story Circle
This 8-step cycle works wonders:
- Start in comfort. Want something more. Enter an unfamiliar world. Adapt to it.
- Get what you wanted. Pay a heavy price. Return home changed.
- Great for screenplays, novels, and deep personal stories.
15. The 7-Point Story Formula
Plan your story with 7 clear points.
Create a strong hook. Add plot points and pinch points. Build to the middle.
Add more twists and reach resolution.
Excellent for long articles, speeches, and courses.
16. Snowflake Story Formula
Start small and expand step by step.
Write a one-sentence summary. Grow it into a paragraph.
Develop characters and detailed scenes.
Ideal for books, autobiographies, and big projects.
17. Comedy Story Formula
Begin with confusion. Build hilarious misunderstandings.
Reach a turning point. Resolve with joy and harmony.
Use this to entertain and highlight communication lessons.
18. Tragedy Story Formula
Show a protagonist with big goals. Lead them down a destructive path.
End with powerful lessons from failure.
Great for cautionary tales and reflective content.
19. Elevator Technique (30-Second Pitch)
Answer “What do you do?” quickly.
Share your name and background. Explain your value.
Tell how you help others. Ask for what you want. Close nicely.
Practice until it feels natural.
20. S.N.A.A.P. Technique by Lisa Nichols
Share your impressive results first. Explain benefits for your audience.
Always end with a question.
This 60-120 second technique opens doors in networking and sales.
How to Choose the Right Formula
Match the formula to your goal. Want inspiration? Try Hero’s Journey.
Need quick impact? Use ABT or SCR.
For teamwork stories, pick The Quest. Practice several formulas. You will develop natural instincts over time.
Mix elements when needed. Stay flexible. The best storytellers adapt formulas creatively.
Start Using These Formulas Today
Pick one formula right now. Write a short story with it.
Share it with a friend for feedback. Improve it step by step.
You will create better content faster. Your confidence will grow. Your audience will love your stories.
Never face blank page fear again. These 20 formulas give you endless possibilities.
Start storytelling with purpose today. Watch your influence and connections grow stronger. You’ve got this!
Find out more about storytelling in my video course, The Power of storytelling.
Source cover image: www.magnific.com