How to use anecdotes to enliven your prose
Personal accounts and details can add color and credibility to your story, but don’t overdo it. Follow this expert guidance to strike a smart balance.
High-level executives, especially those with technical or engineering backgrounds, tend to hold a dim view of anecdotes.
However, anecdotes are a powerful technique for gaining media mentions and spreading brand awareness.
After reviewing three months’ worth of tech stories in The Economist, the Hoffman Agency found that 17% of its articles were anecdotal, says agency CEO Lou Hoffman. Hoffman continues:
After breaking down stories in the business media over the years, we consistently find that the anecdotal content ranges from 15% to 25%.
Reporters love including anecdotes in their articles. They especially like opening articles with visceral, jarring or memorable anecdotes. Employees enjoy anecdotes, too. That’s why communication experts urge PR practitioners to include anecdotes in submissions to journalists, corporate communication pieces, speeches and other types of PR content.
These recommendations can help writers find and develop effective anecdotes:
Determine the purpose, and delete fluff. Is there a specific reason for your anecdote? If not, leave it out.
Determine whether you intend to amuse, surprise, inspire, provoke or build common ground with the audience.
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