From academia to journalism, we’re taught that stories without references make questionable sources. As a result, anecdotes are avoided in contemporary media. It’s inevitable that people will second-guess you when you use an unverifiable story as a main argument… but when anecdotes are used as hooks, then the veil of doubt suddenly gets lifted to create empathy and connection.
Just like with regular storytelling, there are some things to consider when writing anecdotes. Join Wordsmith and let’s learn how we can fashion anecdotes into hooks!
I love the Russian people. That is why I have to tell you the truth. Please watch and share. pic.twitter.com/6gyVRhgpFV
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) March 17, 2022
How are anecdotes useful?
It’s been over a month since President Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine. In a televised speech prior to the attack, Putin said his goal was to “disarm and de-nazify” the country. Although his true motives remain cloudy at best, the majority of the Russian population were none the wiser given the information blackout ordered by the Kremlin. On March 17th, former Californian governor Arnold Schwarzenegger felt obligated to clear up some of the misconceptions spread by Russian propaganda networks.
Schwarzenegger’s video was a very elaborate way of saying “false propaganda kills”, but if you bluntly said that to someone in Russia who got their news from state television, it’d be foolish to expect much of a reaction… especially given that the general population didn’t even know there was a war going on in Ukraine. Instead, Schwarzenegger opted to use an anecdote to create a connection with his audience before getting into his message.
He spoke about meeting his childhood weightlifting hero Yuri Petrovich Vlasov in 1961, getting into heated arguments with his father for idolising a Russian athlete, and his experience working in Russia for the film Red Heat (the first western movie to be filmed in Moscow). He brought up these stories to demonstrate how Russia’s people had been a positive influence in his life, that he genuinely cared about the Russian population and that they deserved to not be misled by fake news.
Given the sensitivity of the subject, using an anecdote breathes life into Schwarzenegger’s message while also retaining very human elements. Everyone has had a childhood hero and everyone has gotten into arguments with their family over different beliefs – it’s these emotional elements that create resonance between speaker and audience. Regardless of whether Schwarzenegger’s anecdote is true or not, it creates a connection and gives audiences a reason to listen to him.
The elements behind successful anecdotes
Anecdotes are essentially bite-sized personal stories – which are great when styled as hooks, because an overly elaborate story might dilute your message. Carolyn O’Hara of the Harvard Business Review shares five key points to note when crafting the delivery of your story:
1. Start with a message
A story is only as great as its message. “Every storytelling exercise should begin by asking: ‘Who is my audience and what is the message I want to share with them?’,” explains O’Hara. After you tell a story, your audience should be able to condense your message into a single sentence. In Schwarzenegger’s case, his point was to share the impact of Russia and its people throughout his life, and explain why he felt they deserved to know the truth.
2. Mine your own experiences
The best stories come from your own experience. Your emotions and opinions are what make the experience personal. “What events in your life make you believe in the idea you are trying to share?” asks O’Hara. She goes on to quote Jonah Sachs, the author of Winning the Story Wars – “Think of a moment in which your own failures led to success in your career, or a lesson that a parent or mentor imparted. Any of these things can be interesting emotional entry points to a story.”
The most memorable instances in your life serve as the best anecdotes, as strong emotions like fear, elation or hatred are associated with the most vivid memories – helping audiences empathise with your story.
3. Don’t make yourself the hero
The stories of heroes are best told by others. When you speak grandly of yourself, you risk sounding pompous and turning away your audience. “You can be a central figure, but the ultimate focus should be on people you know, lessons you’ve learned or events you’ve witnessed,” writes O’Hara.
To strengthen audience engagement, try shining the spotlight on them instead. Using Schwarzenegger’s example, he dedicates his story to the people of Russia and to people around the world. When the audience feels empowered, they’ll be more receptive towards your ideas.
4. Highlight a struggle
Every good story features a challenge and a resolution. In the “hero’s journey” story archetype, a hero only becomes stronger when they have to work or train their way up to overcome adversity. “A well-crafted story embedded with a rallying cry means ‘you don’t have to demand chance or effort,” quotes O’Hara from Sachs. “‘People will become your partners in change,’ because they want to be part of the journey.”
5. Simplicity over excess
It’s easy to go overboard with details, which is why you should restrict yourself to including only those that are relevant to your message. “Don’t tell your audience what day of the week it was, for instance, or what shoes you were wearing if it doesn’t advance the story in an artful [or meaningful] way,” adds O’Hara. “Transporting your audience with a few interesting, well-placed details can help immerse your listeners and drive home your message.”
When deciding on what details to include, consider the following:
· What led to the conflict or struggle?
· How did you overcome it or what necessary steps did you take?
· How did you feel initially compared to after making the change(s)?
A good story sells. Not only does storytelling help sell your message, but it also creates an emotional connection to your audience – so the next time you want to hook readers onto a topic, let a carefully crafted anecdote do the heavy lifting!