The Sticky-Lab Method to Fixing a Broken Story
By: K. Sean Buvala
As a storyteller, knowing when and how to adjust your story is key.
At the Fort Edmonton Storytelling Festival in Alberta, Canada, I found myself uneasy with one of my stories the night before my performance. It was a blend of a Paul Bunyan tall tale and my personal story, but something about it wasn’t clicking. Here’s how I used the “Sticky-Lab Method” to solve the problem:
The Process
- Deconstruct the Story:
I wrote each part of my story on removable sticky notes, each representing different episodes. I used different colors to distinguish between the tall tale and personal elements. - Create a Story Lab:
I stuck these notes on the wall of my hotel room—my “lab.” This allowed me to physically move and rearrange the story’s parts, instead of relying on a static script or just mental planning. - Experiment with Structure:
I experimented by mixing and matching story pieces:- Should I start with the personal story?
- Should I combine parts of the tall tale earlier?
- Was the personal story coming in too late or too early?
- Let the Story Develop:
I left the story on the wall overnight to let the ideas percolate. After a full day of workshops and performances, I returned to refine the structure. - Abandon and Replace:
Ultimately, I decided to abandon the story I’d prepared. It wasn’t right for the event or audience. I then selected a better fit from my repertoire and felt more connected to the audience.
Key Takeaways for Storytelling
- Flexibility is Crucial: Stories must be able to adapt to different contexts and audiences. A set story isn’t fixed—it should evolve.
- Multiple Options: Just like I had different stories to choose from, have several ready for your business presentations or marketing efforts. One story told the same way to everyone isn’t storytelling—it’s outdated marketing.
- The Sticky-Lab Technique:
- Use sticky notes or a whiteboard to visually organize your story.
- Rearrange episodes and experiment with different structures until it feels right.
- This technique works well for live events and business storytelling.
This approach, which I’ve used for years, helps create stories that resonate and engage your audience effectively.
About the Author:
This article originally appeared on Storyteller.net in 2012. Sean Buvala is the founder of Storyteller.net and a professional storyteller since 1986. Learn more about his hands-on training at Storytelling 101 or read his article on storytelling techniques at Sean’s Blog. Photo by Annie Vo on Unsplash