010: Storytelling Series: Character Transformation

The only thing that matters in a good story is what happens to the character. How does the main character respond to the events? How do the events change the character? We often assume the story is about the plot but it’s really about the protagonist that people connect with, not the events. You’ve got a story, tell it well.   Today’s episode dives into a linguistic perspective on how to use the best words to show the transformation of your character. In our brand stories, we need to take our readers from the before state into the desired after state. How do we transform someone in a few hundred words or less? How do we write the transformation in a way that draws in our readers so we go beyond just telling a story and we sell products? Listen to today’s episode to hear about the 3 easiest story types:    Originstories Childhood stories      Never again stories                                                                                                                                                                                         It’s the transformation in stories that draws prospects in. Ask yourself: “What are the transformation moments that connect with my audience?” and “How can I take the motives and goals of my audience and work that into my story?”   What To Look For In This Episode: [00:07:10] Brief summary of The Edible Woman. [00:18:05] Example of an origin story. [00:20:50] Example of a childhood story. [00:25:22] Example of a “never again” story.    Journal Article: The Taming Of Externals: A Linguistic Study Of Character Transformation In Margaret Atwood's The Edible Woman https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/SCL/article/view/7981/9038   Patterson, J. (1982). The Taming of Externals: A Linguistic Study Of Character Transformation in Margaret Atwood’s The Edible Woman. Studies in Canadian Literature, 7(2). Retrieved from https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/SCL/article/view/7981 Resources: Brand Voice Template [brandvoicetemplate.com] Hiut Denim Company [hiutdenim.co.uk]   **Shout out to Kindra Hall for the Normal → Explosion → New Normal framework**   Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Awesome! Send it to [email protected]. Connect with Geoff:   Instagram: instagram.com/geoffkullman Twitter: twitter.com/geoffkullman Inquiries: geoffkullman.com  Subscribe To The Podcast Here: Do you have friends, colleagues, or clients who would find The Psychology of Copywriting podcast valuable? Spread the word! *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.   Danny helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com