Three basic plots - my take
1 Storytelling templates
In storytelling, most of us think of classics like Overcoming the Monster, Rags to Riches, or The Quest.. We can relate many of these templates to the hero’s journey. The authors of Made to Stick argue for three different plots that create sticky, impactful stories: the Challenge Plot, the Connection Plot, and the Creativity Plot.
Here’s how these plots work and why they might just be the key to your next breakthrough moment.
2 The Challenge Plot: David vs. Goliath
The Challenge Plot is about defying the odds. Think of underdog stories. Think of Rosa Parks taking a stand or the rebels in Star Wars fighting against the Empire. The key? The obstacles must appear enormous.
Challenge plots are powerful because they inspire us to dig deep, persevere, and take bold action. They make us believe that we, too, can overcome adversity—whether it’s launching a startup or finishing a marathon. It helps to turn your message into a proverb.
Use this plot when you want to inspire courage and grit. Examples are a high-stakes team kickoff or when motivating people to embrace ambitious goals. Use it, if you face a group of yes sayers.
3 The Connection Plot: Building Bridges
Connection Plots are about relationships. They bridge gaps—racial, social, religious, or even generational. Think of the parable of the Good Samaritan or stories of unlikely friendships overcoming prejudice.
These plots appeal to our humanity, encouraging compassion and collaboration. It does not matter if it’s a heartwarming tale of neighbors helping each other after a disaster or a story about a team uniting for a cause. Connection Plots make us want to be better people.
Use this plot when your goal is to foster teamwork, empathy, or unity—perfect for a company celebration or a social campaign.
4 The Creativity Plot: Aha! Moments
The Creativity Plot is about ingenuity and problem-solving. Think Newton’s apple moment or a health worker in Zambia who solved a complex logistics issue by thinking outside the box. These are stories of innovation, where cleverness triumphs over constraints.
Springboard stories fall under this category. They help people see possibilities, combat skepticism, and foster buy-in. No dry statistics needed—just a compelling narrative that sparks a “What if?”
Use this plot when introducing new ideas, launching projects, or overcoming resistance to change.
5 Making It Stick
Want to inspire action? Tailor your plot to your audience and goal:
- Challenge Plots: Inspire perseverance.
- Connection Plots: Build relationships.
- Creativity Plots: Foster innovation.
Forget generic plots like Rags to Riches. The Challenge, Connection, and Creativity Plots from Made to Stick are your secret weapon to create stories that resonate—and inspire change.
So, which plot will you use next?