What makes a good story?
Stories are at the heart of what makes us human. We use them to socialize, connect, and inspire action. For thousands of years, storytelling has been a fundamental part of human culture—serving as a way to pass down histories, myths, and shared values from one generation to the next.
While the mediums and platforms for storytelling continue to evolve—shifting increasingly toward digital spaces https://doi.org/10.21275/SR241207235148 the core principles of effective storytelling remain unchanged. When applied well, these fundamentals are what make stories compelling, memorable, and impactful, regardless of format.
In November 2025, I had the opportunity to attend a storytelling workshop delivered by Transom (transom.org), and the lessons from that experience have stayed with me. Below are the essential building blocks—the nuts and bolts—of what makes a truly good story.
Narrative arch
A great story isn't just a sequence of events; it’s a structured journey. You can break a successful arc into four key pillars:
The Inciting Incident: This is the "What happened?" moment. It’s the disruption of the status quo. Example: "I usually take the bus, but on this day, I decided to drive."
The Backstory: This provides the essential context. It tells the listener who you are and what brought you to this specific moment.
The Turning Point: The climax where the shift occurs. You make a discovery, try something new, or the dynamics of a situation flip.
The Takeaway: A clear expression of what changed by the time the dust settled.
Change and reflection
Events in our lives change us- for better for worse. A moment big or small has the potential to shift how we see the world or how we feel about something, someone or ourselves. Every good story has some element of change and reflection. Reflecting on how this moment change you is part of what build the arc. Who are you at the end of the story compared to who you were at the beginning?
Remember that sometimes the changes are small and sometimes the changes are monumental
Stakes
Stakes are the "Why." Why should the audience care? Why does this specific memory stay with you out of a million others?
External Stakes: Life-or-death situations, like a car hydroplaning or a rattlesnake on a path.
Internal Stakes: These require more digging. What were you trying to find, solve, or repair in your life? Stakes are your personal "must-haves" or "must-avoids."
Details
Specific details act as a time machine, transporting your audience into your shoes. Don't just tell; recreate the atmosphere:
Sights and Sounds: The specific flicker of a neon sign or the hum of a refrigerator.
Smells and Quirks: The scent of a specific restaurant or the unique laugh of an old friend.
Emotion
Emotion is the universal language of storytelling. Emotion are what connect us. When you’re exploring how a situation makes you feel go deeper that just happy/sad/angry- think of it in terms of how it felt both physically and emotionally
Pro Tip: Go deeper than "happy" or "sad." Describe the physical manifestation of the feeling. Did your muscles tense with anger? Did your cheeks burn with embarrassment?
Find Your Story: Prompts to Get Started
What do you want right now? Think about something you want at this moment in time, big or small. Why is it important to you? What are you risking by not getting it or what do you stand to gain? What’s the harm in trying or not trying? Spend a little time with your desire and think about your stakes in the game?
If you’re looking for your next great narrative, try finishing these sentences:
"A moment I will never forget is..."
"A moment I surprised myself was..."
"A time I had to start over was..."
"A time I couldn’t believe my eyes..."