Infographic: How classic storytelling narratives can improve your speeches

An infographic from Quid Corner offers guidance from author Christopher Booker, who posits that “everything ever written boils down to seven basic plots.” Here are a handful of enduring narratives you can use as a storytelling springboard for your next speech:

1. “Overcoming a monster.” This classic theme revolves around the “heartwarming story of courage and bravery where the hero overcomes evil against all odds.” The infographic recommends using this structure to demonstrate how you solved a major problem at work. Your “monster” could be a productivity bottleneck, a PR crisis or perhaps an aggressive possum that somehow sneaked into the kitchen.

2. “Rags to riches.” A young man born into poverty boldly leaves his home in search of a better life. “You’ll never make it!” his friends chide. Struggle ensues, then the bottom falls out. Then, just as our protagonist is about to give up, a miraculous turn of events transpires and leads to outright victory.