1. The document introduces a multimedia storytelling lexicon developed by Mark Berkey-Gerard that defines 30 narrative structures, devices, and techniques. 2. Examples are provided for each term from published multimedia news packages, documentaries, and interactive stories. 3. The lexicon is intended to provide instructors and students a shared vocabulary for discussing and analyzing storytelling across different multimedia formats.

1. Developing a
Multimedia
Storytelling
Lexicon
2012 NSC Visual Educator
Teach-a-Thon
Mark Berkey-Gerard
Rowan University

2. “Most newsrooms lack
a storytelling lexicon.
We call everything a
story whether or not it
contains any true
storytelling elements.”
- Jack Hart, Telling True Stories

3. Multimedia Storytelling Lexicon
30 narrative structures, devices
and techniques
Definitions
Examples from multimedia
news packages

4. Anecdote
A personal account of a series of actions.
Julio Diaz shares his experience of being robbed in a
surprising, two-minute anecdote. (StoryCorps.org)

5. Character
Individual who undergoes transition.
Photographer Luis Sinco explores a soldier's emotional and
psychological struggles. (MediaStorm.com)

6. Complication
An event or development that forces a character to
respond or react.
When the Gulf Oil spill hits a small town in Louisiana, the
residents must decide whether to stay or leave. (News21.com)

7. Contiguity
How all of the media elements work together in a create
a cohesive and meaningful presentation.
The Highrise Project integrates text, images, video, design and
animation in an interactive documentary. (National Film
Board of Canada)

8. Detail
Distinct observations, facts or moments included for the
purpose of conveying character or plot.
The world’s third largest religious festival is told through
intimate snapshots of pilgrims. (Bombay Flying Club)

9. Dramatic Question
An overarching question posed at the beginning of a
story; audience wonders how it will end.
“If the world’s great violinist performed incognito in a Metro
station, would anyone stop and listen?” (Washington Post)

10. Linear Story
A narrative with a distinct beginning, middle and end.
This web video chronicles how one Illinois farm became a
suburban housing development. (Media Storm)

11. Non-Linear Story
Presentation that allows the audience to decide the story
structure.
This interactive documentary about the Great Lakes has no
distinct beginning, middle or end. (Waterlife.ca)

12. Moment of Reflection
A clear statement of what the story is about, often
following an anecdote.
Nine reporters spent two days at a rest stop. They structured
an hour long radio show around anecdotes and reflections on
travel. (This American Life)

13. Multimedia Storytelling Lexicon
Payoff / Impact
1. Great examples of multimedia
storytelling.

14. Multimedia Storytelling Lexicon
Payoff / Impact

15. Multimedia Storytelling Lexicon
Payoff / Impact
2. Range of storytelling formats.

16. Multimedia Storytelling Lexicon
Payoff / Impact
social media timeline
single image role-playing game
photo essay data
audio slide show graphics
web video documentary
map user-generated

17. Multimedia Storytelling Lexicon
Payoff / Impact
3. Shared vocabulary for instructor
and student.

18. Multimedia Storytelling Lexicon
Payoff / Impact
“Nice audio. Strong images. But you
need a „moment of reflection‟ that
clearly states the point of the story.”

19. Multimedia Storytelling Lexicon
Payoff / Impact
4. How presentation and platform
affect storytelling.

20. Multimedia Storytelling Lexicon
Payoff / Impact
Does the story work across
platforms?
Is the story platform specific?
What is the user experience?

21. Multimedia Storytelling Lexicon
Payoff / Impact
5. Articulate how and why a
particular story might be best told in
a particular way.

22. Complete list at
markberkeygerard.com
Twitter: @mabege #nsc12
Or search “multimedia
storytelling lexicon”