What makes a good story? What are your stories?

1. Storytelling Interview Worksheet
Step One: Start with a common assumption and one person. What is a common starting
reference point? What are some details? Will it evoke a well-known feeling or aspiration? Will it
share or validate a commonly held belief(s)?
Step Two: Introduce a point of conflict. Can you name and show the conflicts? What are the
barriers? (The harder we struggle, the more we remember.) How can you make these real? More
description or demonstration?
Step Three: Make heroes and villains easy to identify. How can you make the heroes and
villains easy to identify? What are their recognizable characteristics? How can you make them
stand out, memorable?
Step Four: Include granular details and one “takeaway” fact. Hair color? Glasses? Shoes.?
Can you tell me one memorable item to take with me? Can you make me FEEL it? See it?
Step Five: Show the way to a happy resolution. You don’t need clear resolution, just a path.
What is the end goal? What is the path to get there? Why are you essential?
Bonus Questions:
What question do I hope does not get asked? How can I get ready for it?
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2. Who is already doing this well among my peers? What can I learn from them?
Note: These 5 Questions are adapted from Andy Goodman’s writings on storytelling. More
information is available at www.AGoodmanOnline.com. He does regular webinars to build
capacity for organizations.
2
The Tribune Tower, 409 13th Street, 13th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612  510-271-0640 
www.fcpcommunications.com