You know the old proverb that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” That is so true. People are visual, and because of that a picture – especially a picture explained in detail – will get points across better than lots and lots of talk.
That’s why Jesus used parables to deliver the truth. He was a master at the tool of story-telling.
So let’s take a look at how we can incorporate that tool into our writing.
Here’s why it works:
Stories make people pay attention. Indeed, people pay huge sums of money to read stories (novels) and watch them (movies).
Stories make people remember. If you want to teach something to someone, tell a story. That’s why the world’s most famous teaching tool, the Bible, is packed full of stories.
Stories tap into emotion. You can’t convince your readers to hear your advice until they feel something emotionally. So what better way to put them in the right emotional state than by telling them a story!
You can see the benefits. But maybe you’re wondering how this works for you.
Indeed, one of the best places to tell a story is on your blog. And that’s because it gives you the opportunity to really connect with your readers.
Here’s how to create a story-telling blog post…
Hook Your Readers Immediately
Forget about an article that starts by telling the readers what they’re going to learn. Instead, jump right into your story. And engage the reader’s senses whenever possible.
Example: Perhaps you’d start a Marriage-Help article like this: “Suzy felt hopelessness wash over her. Every Monday morning seemed to be the same. There were these issues between them that they just couldn’t seem to discuss. Their attitudes toward money. Their attitudes toward the children. They seemed to disagree on so much!”
Transition From Story to Facts and Benefits
Now you need to start tying your story into the points you wish to make.
So often people who face these hard times want to give up and think there is no hope for their marriage.
Yet you are armed with scriptures and wisdom from God about prayer and faith. You can use this story to share testimonies of people who have faced worse but who have trusted God and entered into a new era of excellence in their marriage.
Conclusion
The truth is, story-telling is just one way to turn your blog posts into great teaching moments – without being pedantic. When people engage in the pictures portrayed in these stories, they are able to see the hope offered them.
