What is a story, and what is its purpose?

Looking at a strict definition of the word, it has numerous meanings. From “an account of incidents or events” to “a widely circulated rumor,” a story can mean many things depending on the teller of the story and the listener of the story.

Many times, people are so interested in telling their story, they forget to include that second part. How the story is heard and interpreted should impact on how the story is told.

Before the written word, oral histories were the best way to impart information into the next generation, but it was just as important to convey the feelings and importance of the stories in the telling. These histories were told in a way to provide great details, but through multiple renditions from different people, those stories would often lose their original meanings.

Why?

Because stories are influenced by the teller, through their interpretation of events, meanings, and intents, and the listener, through their perceptions, experiences, and attention. When the listener becomes the storyteller, those influences they had as listeners become part of the story.

Today, stories are used as ways to influence people and affect their actions. The advent of social media and always on news means more stories are out there, searching for audiences.

Those audiences are harder to maintain, echo chambers not included. People can be more discerning, but human nature causes us to seek out things that are familiar, reassuring us that we are not alone. This is why knowing who is listening to your story is just as important as telling the story.

Communication is meant to be a two-way street. The telling and the listening are both key elements in good stories and good messaging. For companies and creators, having a good message means understanding how your audience is going to perceive your message. And that means understanding the community around your business.

Fandoms, in particular, take stories to heart, because their passion and attachment are very personal to them. Stories that relate to them personally have the greatest impact on their perceptions of the message. It is constantly evolving as people change, and it needs attention and care to preserve those relationships.

At The NPC Guild, a deeper connection with fans is a core tenant for us. The Latin in our brand badge says, PROFERENS FABULAS AD VITAM, which loosely translates to “bringing your stories to life.”

We leverage our expertise working on great brands to develop and enhance story experiences that fans want and expect from their favorite companies. The best fan brands are always invested in storytelling with their fans, because they are listening to them just as much as they are talking to them.

What story will you tell today? And how can we help you tell it?