Spiral Storytelling

Stories are told using two primary methods: The traditional approach is where a narrative gradually builds to its climax. We can visualize this as a spiral where the storyteller starts at the outer edge and finishes at the center. But this inward-spiral approach is not always desirable. It depends on the audience. Sometimes a story needs to begin with the conclusion, and then continue by explaining its context. I call this an outward-spiral narrative.

Recognizing how a listener wants to receive your content helps to decide which approach to use. This isn’t to necessarily appease the listener but to recognize the most effective way that they’ll digest your content. A spiral-in or spiral-out approach is a strategic storytelling decision.

Issues can occur when there’s a disconnect between the expectations of both parties. The storyteller may want to build suspense with their narrative, but the audience may lack the patience to listen.

Storytelling has gradually increased its cadence over the decades. Millennials who have recently watched Stanley Kubrick’s, “2001 Space Odyssey” will attest to its excruciatingly slow pace. Many movies from the past are difficult to watch because of their dragging pace. The introduction of Music Television (i.e., MTV) in the ’80s accelerated narratives with shorter clips and sharper dialog. The Internet revolution further changed storytelling by opening with a hint of the climax, then abruptly skipping to the beginning of the spiral. It’s a teaser of sorts, attributed to the impatience of our digital culture. By opening with a snapshot of the climax, storytellers are saying, “I know you don’t have the patience to sit through a traditional narrative, so I’ll show you a bit of the ending, and hope that an injection of dopamine will sustain your interest long enough to listen to my story.”

The issue with spiral narratives can be applied to scammers. Their agenda is to draw you into a deceiving narrative. Their story is an inward-spiral that’s false. The truth resides on a completely different spiral that may never be revealed to you. Another manipulative method is when an inward-spiral is being narrated but you’re expected to figure out the ending. A problem is presented and the storyteller waits for you to come up with a solution. Or a common hustler tactic is when an investment opportunity is outlined, and before you know it, you’re asking if it’s possible to invest. By completing the story, you’ve hooked yourself into the spiral. These coercive methods apply to legitimate as well as illicit activities. When all is said and done, narrating a spiral that the listener is expected to finish is common form of manipulation.

Stories shape our history, even if the sinners winners write them. In an age of misinformation and with an avalanche of resources at our fingertips, it’s important to seek the truth. We can start this journey by understanding the credibility of our storytellers – their biases, insecurities, and motives behind their spirals. Then make our own conclusions.

Stories shape our history, even if the sinners winners write them.

֍ Series ֍ Life • Philosophy • Psychology

• ֍ 1 ֍ Gateway to the Soul
• ֍ 2 ֍ My Biggest Challenge
• ֍ 3 ֍ 35Photo.pro • 35Awards.com
• ֍ 4 ֍ Beautiful Photography
• ֍ 5 ֍ Photography’s Infinity
• ֍ 6 ֍ Fine Arts Reactions
• ֍ 7 ֍ Time Is Relentless
• ֍ 8 ֍ Mind • Body
• ֍ 9 ֍ Steps of Life
• ֍ 10 ֍ Love What You Do
• ֍ 11 ֍ Work • Learn • Gym • Play
• ֍ 12 ֍ Outside the Parenting Box
• ֍ 13 ֍ I am Free
• ֍ 14 ֍ Find Your 0.1%
• ֍ 15 ֍ Admired Leadership
• ֍ 16 ֍ Don’t be a Slave
• ֍ 17 ֍ Empathy • Love • Compassion
• ֍ 18 ֍ Creativity Has No Bounds
• ֍ 19 ֍ Risk • Reward
• ֍ 20 ֍ Know Who You Are
• ֍ 21 ֍ Reality • Reantity
• ֍ 22 ֍ Find Your Talent
• ֍ 23 ֍ A Journey of Self-Discovery
• ֍ 24 ֍ Good vs. Evil
• ֍ 25 ֍ Life • Philosophy • Psychology
• ֍ 26 ֍ Spiral Storytelling
• ֍ 27 ֍ Confidence • Insecurity
• ֍ 28 ֍ Beware the Generation Gap
• ֍ 29 ֍ Socioeconomic Layers
• ֍ 30 ֍ Doctor-Patient Relationships
• ֍ 31 ֍ The Flip
• ֍ 32 ֍ Partner • Person • Parent
• ֍ 33 ֍ Love is a Waterfall
• ֍ 34 ֍ Sexuality Isn’t Redefined When Your Single
• ֍ 35 ֍ Entrepreneur • Manager • Specialist
• ֍ 36 ֍ Fame • Fortune • Power
• ֍ 37 ֍ What’s Yours Is Ours • What’s Mine Is Mine
• ֍ 38 ֍ You’ll Never Walk In Their Shoes
• ֍ 39 ֍ Woman Slaps Man • An Allegory
• ֍ 40 ֍ Love • Hate
• ֍ 41 ֍ Don’t Underestimate Your Audience
• ֍ 42 ֍ Dominant • Submissive
• ֍ 43 ֍ Personality • Behavior
• ֍ 44 ֍ Know Your Friend • Know Your Foe
• ֍ 45 ֍ One Billion Euros • An Allegory
• ֍ 46 ֍ Are You With A Narcissist?
• ֍ 47 ֍ White Room Purple • A Thought Experiment
• ֍ 48 ֍ I Am Sigma
• ֍ 49 ֍ Tortoise & the Hare & the Snail • An Allegory
• ֍ 50 ֍ A Deep Sense of Self

Dusil Photography captures exquisite moments with models who dare to be vulnerable and enter the world of sensuality. I’ve been blessed with the freedom to explore their deepest emotions. Whether it’s alluring curves or a seductive gaze, each photograph tells her story. My portfolio reflects a seamless fusion of feminine beauty and compassion.