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« Fast Company: Film Your Company’s Story. Naturally. | Main | People Tell Stories. Not Tools. »
Sunday
Jul272008

Story. What The Heck Is It?

DateSunday, July 27, 2008 at 09:56AM

Let's ask Google. It knows everything.

Hmmm. Google points to 1,450,000 links defining story. That's a lot of possible definitions for "story."

Over time, I've cobbled together several definitions of "story" but never clearly expressed it.

That got me thinking.

What does "story" mean to me? How do I see "story" in relationship to producing a film for an organization? It's quite simple, really.

A story = a journey from "here" to "there."


From "Huh?" to "A-Ha!"

From "I used to think this way" to "I now think that way."

I think a story is ultimately an experience that takes me from my current state of awareness to a different state of awareness.

This journey opens up infinite possibilities.

That's it. Simple, of course. But discovering the journey is the trick, right?

So what do you think? Do you agree? Disagree? Have a different take?

What the heck is a story?

---Tom

P.S. This post was inspired by yesterday's energizing conversation with David Bullock. I had the good fortune to meet David at SOBCon08 and was totally knocked out by his presentation. David has offered to publish a free ebook based on our upcoming conversation about solving business problems through the power of story and video. I'll keep you posted when it's available. Thank you, David!

AuthorThomas R. Clifford | Comment4 Comments |
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Reader Comments (4)

Tom,

I love that you keep it simple: A story is a journey with a beginning, middle and end as told by a story teller.
July 27, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterLewis Green
I'd add to your definition of "story" to include the most critical factor in any story -

A story = a [PERSONAL] journey from "here" to "there."

No matter what the story is about - a business, a trend, a movement - what engages me is always the person behind the story. The story is the content but the person gives me context.

Jane Chin
July 27, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJane Chin
I guess, then, a story is a journey from point A to point B, with a point for Me (the listener). Thought-provoking post, my friend!
July 27, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterSteve Woodruff
Great post Tom.

The story is the lingustic emotional bridge from "Here" to "There". All of life is one story leading into another. I am finding the key to good story telling is "feeling the story", "feeling listeners" and making it personal.

A story that is yours, as a storyteller, transfers meaning (said and unsaid) well.

As always, new wine from old skins.

Great post Tom.
July 27, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterDavid Bullock

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