Worksheet - create your narrative arc
We have developed a narrative arc worksheet to help you start drafting your impact narrative. Start at the top left and follow the arrows.
See how we used the narrative arc template to develop the impact narrative for Europeana 2020.
Tips
Write for busy people! Keep it simple - short paragraphs, short sentences, short words and simple punctuation.
Use plain language - use words your reader would use and are easy to understand. Don’t assume knowledge.
Break up your text - use titles, sub-headings, lists, images, other media and white space. Make sure those titles, headings and link text are specific and descriptive (it’s good for both humans and search engine optimisation [SEO]).
Use a story arc - make sure each paragraph is linked to the next sensibly.
Use an active voice, not a passive one as this is more immediate. Declutter your text - edit, edit, edit to keep your text precise and short.
Has your organisation articulated its own narrative in terms of its mission/vision, values and key messages? How does your impact story fit into the story your organisation is telling about itself? Check with your senior management or communications colleagues, if they are not already part of the process.
Triangulation
Throughout your impact narrative, you might want to add references to other people’s stories, reports or data. You can use this to support or challenge what you are writing (and what you have found in the data). Make sure that anything you refer to is properly referenced, e.g. with a footnote or reference and a place in a bibliography at the end of the report. Too many references can clutter up a story, but key references can highlight your plot twists and strengthen your case.
Checklist
Have you got a clear beginning, middle and end?
Is there anything you can leave out to keep the story more concise?
Can you change the order and still tell the same story? Does it work better if you retell the story but start in the middle or at the end?