In the digital age, technology is integral to almost everything we do.
It is how they stay in touch with their loved ones, make a living, and entertain themselves in their free time.
This is a massive part of how people tell their stories, organize them, and share them, even in the marketing world.
Today’s consumers seek more than great products and services to make their lives easier.
Storytelling is crucial in connecting them with the brands they purchase.
Digital storytelling combines the power and reach of marketing stories with modern, innovative tools.
What you need to understand to incorporate it into your business strategy.
What is Digital Storytelling?
The traditional storytelling style, which has existed for many years, relies on physical materials and tools to communicate information and make points.
Imagine pens, pencils, papers, records, tapes, and physical films.
Digital storytelling is the same as traditional storytelling but uses digital tools, materials, and communication methods.
Many digital storytelling techniques use the expected elements such as video, digital images, text, and audio. They may include social media content like Instagram stories or tweets, but also interactive.
The best digital stories are highly compelling and emotionally engaging. This is the best way to connect with your target audience.
The stories can be in many formats, from simple interactive stories to complex experiences explaining social concepts.
What are the critical elements of digital storytelling?
As concept pioneer Joe Lambert suggests, digital storytelling is applicable in many different contexts. However, certain elements should still be considered.
Lambert and other digital storytellers must adhere to a formula that leaves no room for creative expression.
The Center for Digital Storytelling in Berkeley, California, has presented seven elements for digital storytelling. This is a great place to start.
Point of view
Each good story has a slight touch of the author’s point of view.
It makes an idea stand out from others that have been tried before.
The unique point-of-view of the author also creates a compelling framework that the audience should realize at the end of the story.
Dramatic Question
A dramatic question is the centerpiece of every great digital story.
The purpose of the story is to keep the audience engaged throughout. The answer to the question will be revealed at the end as a reward for staying.
Storytellers who are gifted often try to make the story more exciting by avoiding the expectations that come with the dramatic question.
Emotional content
Emotion is a critical component of any successful digital story. People enjoy stories that bring them to life on a deeper, more personal level.
Everybody can relate to life’s inevitable struggles and journeys, such as love and loss, death and loneliness, or even their journeys.
These elements are used in stories that grab the audience’s attention and make them want to follow them from beginning to end.
Storyteller’s voice
Hearing a voice in a world where many prefer texting or instant messaging to a phone call on an in-person chat is a powerful and unique experience.
It isn’t easy to convey the personal touch of a story told verbally in the narrator’s voice.
The tone, pitch, wood, and other personal qualities that an individual’s voice can possess help to enhance the story’s meaning and establish a deeper relationship with the audience.
Pacing
Like great songs, great stories have a certain rhythm.
Joe Lambert considers flow and paces the secret sauce to a successful story.
A combination of skills and carefully selected audiovisual elements will help you control the pace of a story, speeding up or slowing down the pace as required to create an overall practical experience.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack is crucial when it comes to how audio effects can improve how a digital story is played out.
Music and sound effects add depth to a story and can create powerful emotional cues to help the audience respond how you want them to.
Many digital storytellers believe that adding the soundtrack as a final touch at the end is the best way.
Knowing the difference between thoroughness and overloading an audience with information is critical to creating great digital storytelling.
Digital stories that are most effective tend to be short and use visual elements to create narratives with rich content.
The economy of the story makes it easier to execute and encourages the storytellers to focus on the essential elements of the project.