Welcome to another episode of People Play Story, where we delve into the art of storytelling and its profound impact on communication. Today, we explore the hidden structures that make stories resonate.
We begin by unraveling the age-old structure of storytelling, tracing back to Aristotle's three-act structure: exposition, complication, and resolution. This blueprint has shaped countless narratives, from movies to jokes, and even our daily lives. We illustrate this with examples, including a classic joke and the storytelling genius of Steve Jobs, who masterfully used the 'what is' and 'what if' technique to captivate audiences.
Our discussion then shifts to Freytag's Pyramid, an evolution of Aristotle's model, which adds layers of complexity with rising action, climax, and falling action. We analyze this structure through the lens of popular films like Die Hard, highlighting how these principles transcend genres and mediums.
We delve into the psychology behind storytelling, suggesting that our brains are wired to crave drama and resolution, making these structures not just entertaining but fundamentally engaging. This understanding can enhance everyday communication, from casual conversations to professional presentations.
By applying these storytelling techniques, you can become a more effective communicator, whether you're inviting friends to a new restaurant or pitching a project at work. The key is to view interactions as opportunities to craft compelling narratives, using elements of change, tension, and release to make your message memorable.
As we conclude, I challenge you to recognize and experiment with these storytelling patterns in your daily life. Embrace the power of dramaturgy to see the world through a new lens and enhance your communication skills. Thank you for joining us on this journey into the fascinating world of storytelling. Keep those stories coming, and we'll see you in the next episode.
[00:00:08]
Martin Kloss:
Hi, and welcome to People Play Story, a podcast about storytelling and how to communicate with impact. My name is Martin Kloss, and I'm a professional story coach and speaker trainer. I recently wrote a book. It's called People Play Story, but it's only available in German for now. So to help me reach a wider audience and spread the word about the power of stories, I created this podcast. Full disclosure, what you're about to hear is generated by an AI, courtesy of Google's notebook LM. And each episode is based on a different chapter of my book. I hope you enjoy it and that I can give you something to think about today. Have fun.
[00:00:53] Unknown:
Hey, everyone, and welcome back. You know, sometimes I feel like the best stories, like, they just work. You know? And we're gonna dive into that today. We're diving into that hidden structure behind storytelling, like the stuff that's been around for centuries. Yeah. That's right. Go deep into dramaturgy. And to unpack this, we're turning to the wisdom of Martin Claus and his book, People Play Story. You know, what's so fascinating about dramaturgy
[00:01:18] Unknown:
is that it's not just about fancy plays or movies. It's the secret code behind how we understand the world. It's the structure of a joke, the arc of a new story, even how we experience our own lives. It starts with, well, you could say, the OG storyteller himself. Yeah. Aristotle. Oh, yeah. Aristotle, big guy. Yeah. And and, you know, his three act structure of your to this, Exposition, complication, resolution. Yeah. It's like the blueprint for, like, countless stories, eve even today. Okay. So break that down for us because
[00:01:51] Unknown:
what what does that even mean? Like, what what are those things? Okay. So imagine imagine you're watching a movie. Right? Okay.
[00:01:59] Unknown:
The exposition is that initial setup. Uh-huh. So you meet the characters. You get a sense of the setting. Right. It's like it's giving you the lay of the land, right, before, like, things get really interesting. Okay. Right? Yeah. Like, in a romcom, you meet the 2 characters.
[00:02:14] Unknown:
You see what their lives are like. That's that's exposition. Right? Exactly. And then and then what? Complication. Exactly. Yeah. Complication is where that conflict kicks in. A romcom couple, they clash. Right? Yeah. Misunderstandings,
[00:02:27] Unknown:
obstacles, all this stuff. It's that uh-oh moment
[00:02:31] Unknown:
that really hooks you in as a viewer. And then, hopefully, they figure it out in the resolution. Yeah. Happy endings. Happy endings. Exactly. But you're telling me that even a joke uses this? Seriously. Absolutely.
[00:02:42] Unknown:
Even humor. Right? Even humor relies on structure. Okay. So take, for example, that joke about the the doctor's visit. Okay. The guy goes to the doctor. Right? And it says he's got a problem. He says, doc, you gotta help me. Every time I have a cup of coffee, I get this terrible stabbing pain in my eye. Oof. And the doctor, after a moment, just calmly says, well, have you tried taking the spoon out? Oh. So you have your setup, you have that unexpected twist, and then, bam, the punch line. Right. And that punch line brings that that resolution.
[00:03:14] Unknown:
And and we laugh. Exactly. I never thought of it like that. It is kinda wild how how something, you know, so simple can still follow that that ancient formula. Yeah. But but let's get real for a second. How does this play out in the real world? Like, what's a real world example?
[00:03:29] Unknown:
Consider Steve Jobs. He was a master of using these storytelling principles, particularly this one technique that moved between what is and what if. Okay. What is, what if? It sounds a little cryptic. A little bit. Yeah. So he begin by highlighting a problem. Right? The what is. Mhmm. Like, think about bulky CD collections. Yeah. Limited technology, things like that. Right. And that creates this tension, this shared frustration. Right. And then, bam, he hits you with the what if. And the what if was always Apple's answer. Exactly. Okay. Yeah. The iPad, the iPhone, they were like, these elegant solutions to those everyday problems. Yeah. He understood that creating that emotional roller coaster Right. That need for resolution, it was captivating. He's he's tapping into that ancient storytelling structure without us even realizing it. Exactly. Genius. Yeah. K. But but this three act structure, it's not the only game in town, is it? Like, you mentioned the source also mentioned something called Freytag's Pyramid. Right? Right. Freytag, he took Aristotle's idea, and he kinda added a bit more nuance. Okay. So instead of 3 acts, he breaks it down into 5 parts. Yeah. And it forms, you know, like a pyramid shape. More parts, more drama. Give me the details. Okay. Yeah. So think of it like this.
Freytag took those 3 acts, and he broke them down even further. You still have your exposition and resolution, but the middle, that gets expanded. Okay. So so what are these these new additions, these new party favors that that Freytag is bringing? He adds rising action and falling action Okay. With the climax right at the very peak of the pyramid. Rising action, climax, falling action. That that sounds a lot like like every action movie ever. Exactly. Right. Take take Die Hard, for example. Suffolk. Classic Die Hard. The exposition sets the scene. Christmas party at Nakatomi Plaza. Yeah. Terrorists take over. Yay. Exactly.
And then the rising action is everything that builds that tension. So John McClane's, you know, cat and mouse with the bad guys, hostage is in danger. Oh, man. The tension is killer in that movie. So the climax is when, like, it hits the fan. Yeah. Like, things just totally go crazy. Exactly. Yeah. Yeah. It's that moment of no return. Okay. McClain facing off against Hans Gruber. Mhmm. The fate of the hostages hanging in the balance. And then falling action is like the dust settles Yeah. After the explosion. You know? You got it. Okay. Showing those consequences of the climax, tying up loose ends, you know, before we reach that final resolution. Okay. McClain and his wife reunited. Bad guy is defeated. Okay.
[00:06:02] Unknown:
This pyramid structure, it's making me see these classic movie plots in a whole new light. Yeah. But you said this Fredaheg guy, he was a playwright. He wasn't, like, a screenwriter. Right? That's right. Yeah. Yeah. And it goes to show that these storytelling principles,
[00:06:15] Unknown:
they transcend
[00:06:16] Unknown:
genres in medium. It's not just blockbuster action films. Okay. So whether it's Shakespeare on stage or, you know, Bruce Willis on the big screen, it's it's all the same it's the same storytelling DNA at work that's kinda mind blowing. It really is. And and what's even more fascinating is that, you know, Freytag believed that this structure wasn't just some, like, arbitrary formula. You know? Oh, really? He thought it reflected how our minds naturally process stories. Wait. So you're telling me that our brains are hardwired for drama? Tell me more.
[00:06:45] Unknown:
Well, think about it. We crave those moments of tension. Yeah. That build up to a climax and then, you know, that release as things are resolved. It's like a roller coaster for our emotions.
[00:06:56] Unknown:
And and our brains, they're wired to enjoy that ride. So it's not just about keeping us entertained. It's about tapping into something fundamental about how our brains work. Exactly. Yeah. That's that's fascinating. But okay. Let's get practical for a sec. We've talked about movies. We've talked about jokes, even product launches. But how can how can understanding these structures actually help someone in their everyday life? That's the $1,000,000 question, isn't it? Yeah. And the answer is it can make you a more effective communicator.
[00:07:23] Unknown:
Okay. Think about it. Every time you tell a story, whether it's to your friends, your family, your colleagues, you're using these principles
[00:07:32] Unknown:
consciously or not. So you're saying that by understanding these structures, we can actually level up our storytelling skills. Sign me up. Exactly. So let's say let's say you're trying to convince your friends
[00:07:43] Unknown:
to try this new restaurant. Okay. Instead of just saying, hey. This place is good. You should come. Right.
[00:07:49] Unknown:
You can use a bit of this narrative structure. Okay. So how do I turn a dinner invite into, like, an epic
[00:07:56] Unknown:
tale? Well, you start with a hook. Right? Okay. Something that really piques their interest. Yeah. Maybe you describe an amazing dish that you tried. You know? Something that appeals to their sense of taste. That's your exposition. Right? Right. Setting the stage. Right. Get those taste buds tingling. Exactly. And then what? I hit them with the rising action. Exactly. You can talk about the amazing atmosphere, the friendly service, build up that anticipation, maybe even mention a funny anecdote about your last visit. You're creating that rising action. Right? Okay. Yeah. That desire to experience it for themselves. And then the climax, is it just me finally getting to eat there again? Well, ideally, the climax is your friends agreeing to go, convinced by your masterful storytelling.
[00:08:39] Unknown:
Okay. But you see the point. Right? Even in casual conversations, just structuring your anecdotes can make them more engaging. Okay. That makes total sense. But what about something more serious, like a like a work presentation? How does how does this apply there?
[00:08:54] Unknown:
Well, imagine you're presenting a new project idea. Okay? Okay. Instead of overwhelming everyone with just data and bullet points Right. You start by outlining
[00:09:05] Unknown:
the problem that you're trying to solve. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. That's your what is, your exposition. So I'm really painting a picture of the problem. Like, make everyone really feel
[00:09:15] Unknown:
those pain points. Exactly. Okay. Once you've established that need, then you introduce your solution. Okay. This is your what if, your big idea. Uh-huh. You're positioning it as a hero of the story. So you're using that Steve Jobs magic Exactly. To create a compelling narrative, but around my project. Exactly. And by framing your presentation, you know, within a relatable story, you're not just presenting information. Right? Right. You're taking your audience on a journey. Yeah. And that's what makes them remember. That's what makes them engage, and, ultimately, that's what makes them persuaded by your ideas. Yeah. This is this is eye opening. It's like it's like I've unlocked a secret code, but for for better communication. There you go. Okay. But where do I start? I'm ready to add a little dramaturgy to my life. Well, Klaus's book is a fantastic resource, full of insights.
The real learning starts right now in your everyday life. Pay attention to the stories you encounter, whether it's a TV show, a podcast,
[00:10:11] Unknown:
even a conversation with a friend. Start noticing those patterns we've been talking about, the setup, the rising action,
[00:10:17] Unknown:
the satisfying resolution. Once you start seeing the structure, you'll be amazed at how often it pops up. Exactly. It's like you've got a new set of classes, and suddenly you see the world in a whole new light. And the best part is you can start experimenting with these techniques yourself, adding a touch of dramaturgy to your own communication.
[00:10:34] Unknown:
So as we wrap up this deep dive into dramaturgy, let's leave our listeners with one final thought. Here's a challenge for you to consider.
[00:10:41] Unknown:
Think about the everyday stories you tell in conversations, in emails, even in the way you present yourself to the world. What if you view these interactions as opportunities to craft compelling narratives, to use those elements of change,
[00:10:56] Unknown:
of tension and release, to make your message more impactful, more memorable. It's like we're all carrying around this toolbox of storytelling techniques, and now we have the knowledge to actually use them. Precisely. And the more you practice,
[00:11:08] Unknown:
the more intuitive it becomes. You'll start to see the world through a different lens, one that's attuned to the power of story. This has been an incredible deep dive. I feel like I've learned so much, not just about storytelling,
[00:11:19] Unknown:
but about human nature itself. And that's the beauty of exploring these timeless concepts. Right. They have a way of illuminating not just the world around us, but also our place within it. So to our listeners out there, keep those stories coming, and keep diving deeper into the fascinating world of dramaturgy. We'll catch you in the next episode.
[00:11:45] Martin Kloss:
Hi, everyone. It's me again. Just a quick note before I let you go. I hope you found today's episode entertaining, engaging, and maybe even inspiring. If you did, please spread the word. And if you didn't, please keep it to yourself. And if you wanna know more, have any questions, or wanna work with me, please get in touch with me on martinklaus.com or on LinkedIn. Now have a great day. Go out and do something fun.
Hi, and welcome to People Play Story, a podcast about storytelling and how to communicate with impact. My name is Martin Kloss, and I'm a professional story coach and speaker trainer. I recently wrote a book. It's called People Play Story, but it's only available in German for now. So to help me reach a wider audience and spread the word about the power of stories, I created this podcast. Full disclosure, what you're about to hear is generated by an AI, courtesy of Google's notebook LM. And each episode is based on a different chapter of my book. I hope you enjoy it and that I can give you something to think about today. Have fun.
[00:00:53] Unknown:
Hey, everyone, and welcome back. You know, sometimes I feel like the best stories, like, they just work. You know? And we're gonna dive into that today. We're diving into that hidden structure behind storytelling, like the stuff that's been around for centuries. Yeah. That's right. Go deep into dramaturgy. And to unpack this, we're turning to the wisdom of Martin Claus and his book, People Play Story. You know, what's so fascinating about dramaturgy
[00:01:18] Unknown:
is that it's not just about fancy plays or movies. It's the secret code behind how we understand the world. It's the structure of a joke, the arc of a new story, even how we experience our own lives. It starts with, well, you could say, the OG storyteller himself. Yeah. Aristotle. Oh, yeah. Aristotle, big guy. Yeah. And and, you know, his three act structure of your to this, Exposition, complication, resolution. Yeah. It's like the blueprint for, like, countless stories, eve even today. Okay. So break that down for us because
[00:01:51] Unknown:
what what does that even mean? Like, what what are those things? Okay. So imagine imagine you're watching a movie. Right? Okay.
[00:01:59] Unknown:
The exposition is that initial setup. Uh-huh. So you meet the characters. You get a sense of the setting. Right. It's like it's giving you the lay of the land, right, before, like, things get really interesting. Okay. Right? Yeah. Like, in a romcom, you meet the 2 characters.
[00:02:14] Unknown:
You see what their lives are like. That's that's exposition. Right? Exactly. And then and then what? Complication. Exactly. Yeah. Complication is where that conflict kicks in. A romcom couple, they clash. Right? Yeah. Misunderstandings,
[00:02:27] Unknown:
obstacles, all this stuff. It's that uh-oh moment
[00:02:31] Unknown:
that really hooks you in as a viewer. And then, hopefully, they figure it out in the resolution. Yeah. Happy endings. Happy endings. Exactly. But you're telling me that even a joke uses this? Seriously. Absolutely.
[00:02:42] Unknown:
Even humor. Right? Even humor relies on structure. Okay. So take, for example, that joke about the the doctor's visit. Okay. The guy goes to the doctor. Right? And it says he's got a problem. He says, doc, you gotta help me. Every time I have a cup of coffee, I get this terrible stabbing pain in my eye. Oof. And the doctor, after a moment, just calmly says, well, have you tried taking the spoon out? Oh. So you have your setup, you have that unexpected twist, and then, bam, the punch line. Right. And that punch line brings that that resolution.
[00:03:14] Unknown:
And and we laugh. Exactly. I never thought of it like that. It is kinda wild how how something, you know, so simple can still follow that that ancient formula. Yeah. But but let's get real for a second. How does this play out in the real world? Like, what's a real world example?
[00:03:29] Unknown:
Consider Steve Jobs. He was a master of using these storytelling principles, particularly this one technique that moved between what is and what if. Okay. What is, what if? It sounds a little cryptic. A little bit. Yeah. So he begin by highlighting a problem. Right? The what is. Mhmm. Like, think about bulky CD collections. Yeah. Limited technology, things like that. Right. And that creates this tension, this shared frustration. Right. And then, bam, he hits you with the what if. And the what if was always Apple's answer. Exactly. Okay. Yeah. The iPad, the iPhone, they were like, these elegant solutions to those everyday problems. Yeah. He understood that creating that emotional roller coaster Right. That need for resolution, it was captivating. He's he's tapping into that ancient storytelling structure without us even realizing it. Exactly. Genius. Yeah. K. But but this three act structure, it's not the only game in town, is it? Like, you mentioned the source also mentioned something called Freytag's Pyramid. Right? Right. Freytag, he took Aristotle's idea, and he kinda added a bit more nuance. Okay. So instead of 3 acts, he breaks it down into 5 parts. Yeah. And it forms, you know, like a pyramid shape. More parts, more drama. Give me the details. Okay. Yeah. So think of it like this.
Freytag took those 3 acts, and he broke them down even further. You still have your exposition and resolution, but the middle, that gets expanded. Okay. So so what are these these new additions, these new party favors that that Freytag is bringing? He adds rising action and falling action Okay. With the climax right at the very peak of the pyramid. Rising action, climax, falling action. That that sounds a lot like like every action movie ever. Exactly. Right. Take take Die Hard, for example. Suffolk. Classic Die Hard. The exposition sets the scene. Christmas party at Nakatomi Plaza. Yeah. Terrorists take over. Yay. Exactly.
And then the rising action is everything that builds that tension. So John McClane's, you know, cat and mouse with the bad guys, hostage is in danger. Oh, man. The tension is killer in that movie. So the climax is when, like, it hits the fan. Yeah. Like, things just totally go crazy. Exactly. Yeah. Yeah. It's that moment of no return. Okay. McClain facing off against Hans Gruber. Mhmm. The fate of the hostages hanging in the balance. And then falling action is like the dust settles Yeah. After the explosion. You know? You got it. Okay. Showing those consequences of the climax, tying up loose ends, you know, before we reach that final resolution. Okay. McClain and his wife reunited. Bad guy is defeated. Okay.
[00:06:02] Unknown:
This pyramid structure, it's making me see these classic movie plots in a whole new light. Yeah. But you said this Fredaheg guy, he was a playwright. He wasn't, like, a screenwriter. Right? That's right. Yeah. Yeah. And it goes to show that these storytelling principles,
[00:06:15] Unknown:
they transcend
[00:06:16] Unknown:
genres in medium. It's not just blockbuster action films. Okay. So whether it's Shakespeare on stage or, you know, Bruce Willis on the big screen, it's it's all the same it's the same storytelling DNA at work that's kinda mind blowing. It really is. And and what's even more fascinating is that, you know, Freytag believed that this structure wasn't just some, like, arbitrary formula. You know? Oh, really? He thought it reflected how our minds naturally process stories. Wait. So you're telling me that our brains are hardwired for drama? Tell me more.
[00:06:45] Unknown:
Well, think about it. We crave those moments of tension. Yeah. That build up to a climax and then, you know, that release as things are resolved. It's like a roller coaster for our emotions.
[00:06:56] Unknown:
And and our brains, they're wired to enjoy that ride. So it's not just about keeping us entertained. It's about tapping into something fundamental about how our brains work. Exactly. Yeah. That's that's fascinating. But okay. Let's get practical for a sec. We've talked about movies. We've talked about jokes, even product launches. But how can how can understanding these structures actually help someone in their everyday life? That's the $1,000,000 question, isn't it? Yeah. And the answer is it can make you a more effective communicator.
[00:07:23] Unknown:
Okay. Think about it. Every time you tell a story, whether it's to your friends, your family, your colleagues, you're using these principles
[00:07:32] Unknown:
consciously or not. So you're saying that by understanding these structures, we can actually level up our storytelling skills. Sign me up. Exactly. So let's say let's say you're trying to convince your friends
[00:07:43] Unknown:
to try this new restaurant. Okay. Instead of just saying, hey. This place is good. You should come. Right.
[00:07:49] Unknown:
You can use a bit of this narrative structure. Okay. So how do I turn a dinner invite into, like, an epic
[00:07:56] Unknown:
tale? Well, you start with a hook. Right? Okay. Something that really piques their interest. Yeah. Maybe you describe an amazing dish that you tried. You know? Something that appeals to their sense of taste. That's your exposition. Right? Right. Setting the stage. Right. Get those taste buds tingling. Exactly. And then what? I hit them with the rising action. Exactly. You can talk about the amazing atmosphere, the friendly service, build up that anticipation, maybe even mention a funny anecdote about your last visit. You're creating that rising action. Right? Okay. Yeah. That desire to experience it for themselves. And then the climax, is it just me finally getting to eat there again? Well, ideally, the climax is your friends agreeing to go, convinced by your masterful storytelling.
[00:08:39] Unknown:
Okay. But you see the point. Right? Even in casual conversations, just structuring your anecdotes can make them more engaging. Okay. That makes total sense. But what about something more serious, like a like a work presentation? How does how does this apply there?
[00:08:54] Unknown:
Well, imagine you're presenting a new project idea. Okay? Okay. Instead of overwhelming everyone with just data and bullet points Right. You start by outlining
[00:09:05] Unknown:
the problem that you're trying to solve. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. That's your what is, your exposition. So I'm really painting a picture of the problem. Like, make everyone really feel
[00:09:15] Unknown:
those pain points. Exactly. Okay. Once you've established that need, then you introduce your solution. Okay. This is your what if, your big idea. Uh-huh. You're positioning it as a hero of the story. So you're using that Steve Jobs magic Exactly. To create a compelling narrative, but around my project. Exactly. And by framing your presentation, you know, within a relatable story, you're not just presenting information. Right? Right. You're taking your audience on a journey. Yeah. And that's what makes them remember. That's what makes them engage, and, ultimately, that's what makes them persuaded by your ideas. Yeah. This is this is eye opening. It's like it's like I've unlocked a secret code, but for for better communication. There you go. Okay. But where do I start? I'm ready to add a little dramaturgy to my life. Well, Klaus's book is a fantastic resource, full of insights.
The real learning starts right now in your everyday life. Pay attention to the stories you encounter, whether it's a TV show, a podcast,
[00:10:11] Unknown:
even a conversation with a friend. Start noticing those patterns we've been talking about, the setup, the rising action,
[00:10:17] Unknown:
the satisfying resolution. Once you start seeing the structure, you'll be amazed at how often it pops up. Exactly. It's like you've got a new set of classes, and suddenly you see the world in a whole new light. And the best part is you can start experimenting with these techniques yourself, adding a touch of dramaturgy to your own communication.
[00:10:34] Unknown:
So as we wrap up this deep dive into dramaturgy, let's leave our listeners with one final thought. Here's a challenge for you to consider.
[00:10:41] Unknown:
Think about the everyday stories you tell in conversations, in emails, even in the way you present yourself to the world. What if you view these interactions as opportunities to craft compelling narratives, to use those elements of change,
[00:10:56] Unknown:
of tension and release, to make your message more impactful, more memorable. It's like we're all carrying around this toolbox of storytelling techniques, and now we have the knowledge to actually use them. Precisely. And the more you practice,
[00:11:08] Unknown:
the more intuitive it becomes. You'll start to see the world through a different lens, one that's attuned to the power of story. This has been an incredible deep dive. I feel like I've learned so much, not just about storytelling,
[00:11:19] Unknown:
but about human nature itself. And that's the beauty of exploring these timeless concepts. Right. They have a way of illuminating not just the world around us, but also our place within it. So to our listeners out there, keep those stories coming, and keep diving deeper into the fascinating world of dramaturgy. We'll catch you in the next episode.
[00:11:45] Martin Kloss:
Hi, everyone. It's me again. Just a quick note before I let you go. I hope you found today's episode entertaining, engaging, and maybe even inspiring. If you did, please spread the word. And if you didn't, please keep it to yourself. And if you wanna know more, have any questions, or wanna work with me, please get in touch with me on martinklaus.com or on LinkedIn. Now have a great day. Go out and do something fun.
