Storytelling Canvas: A Visual Framework for Developing and Delivering Resonating Stories

Abstract

In this article, I attempt to bring together key elements of storytelling in a visual framework, the Storytelling Canvas. The Canvas aims to bring together various strategies for developing and delivering resonating stories. The strategies are organized in three stages that are relevant for every story: beginning, middle and end. Before working on the strategies, storytellers need to consider the topic, the audience including their needs and the goal of the story. This framework has been used for managers, academics and students around the world including organizations such as the African Doctoral Academy, University of St. Gallen, Hilti, European Central Bank, Stanford University and others. The Storytelling Canvas was exhibited at the Artifact Week at the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University in 2018. This article aims to introduce the framework to foster a debate about what constitutes good storytelling in management and academia.