How to Structure a Story in 3 Easy Steps

If you want to break down walls with an audience and influence them to act, nothing beats a well-told story. To create that story, simplicity is key: you need three basic elements:

Character Goal Challenge

Now you can make it as complicated as you want, layering on other elements like a turning point or a surprising twist. But these are the three legs of the stool. Without them, your story falls down.

Besides, three is just easier to remember. I had an audience member once who said he atte...