You ever come across something written and it’s all just fact after fact after fact?
*SNORE*
That’s the way college and university professors teach us how to share information.
“Just hit ’em with the facts”
Wrong.
You need to paint a picture. A grand vision.
Here’s an example of the ol’ college and university style approach:
The Benefits of Fat Loss
Embarking on a journey to lose fat can lead to significant improvements in your overall health and well-being.
Here are some pure facts highlighting the benefits:
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Losing excess fat can lower your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Improved Metabolic Health: Fat loss helps regulate blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity.
Enhanced Physical Functionality: Shedding extra pounds can decrease joint pain, improve mobility, and increase energy levels.
Better Mental Health: Fat loss can lead to improved mood, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and higher self-esteem.
Longevity: Maintaining a healthy weight is associated with a longer life expectancy.
Now don’t get me wrong. People need facts even if they’re boring but they honestly don’t move you to do anything about wanting to lose fat and get in shape, even if they know it’s gonna stop them from dying before they hit 40.
The vision version:
Picture this: You roll out of bed, and BAM!
You’re ready to conquer the day like a caffeinated squirrel on a mission. Imagine moving through life with the grace of a ninja, unburdened by the heavy anchor of extra weight. Visualize joining your crew for a hike without turning into a wheezing, sweaty mess.
See yourself playing tag with your kids and actually catching them, or finally rocking that outfit that’s been taunting you from the back of your closet.
Think about the surge of confidence as your body transforms, the ego-boosting compliments raining down from friends and strangers alike. Envision strolling into your doctor’s office, your health stats shining like a beacon of awesome news.
Picture your future self, living a life that’s longer, healthier, and packed with kickass experiences instead of medical bills and regret…
Obviously it’s a little basic but it was just written to illustrate a point.
If you want to indoctrinate people into your world and share your ideas and win them to your way of thinking. You need to paint a vision of what life can be like etc.
You can apply this to your characters in your stories or even a story you want to tell your loved ones, friends etc to help win them to your way of thinking. Paint a picture, give them the grand vision and if they question. Then hit them with the facts.
You need to finesse people’s brains a little. The news is doing it. So you might as well get in on the action too.
Stephen Walker