Better Thinking

STORY Model

The STORY model is a structured storytelling framework that emphasizes clarity and persuasion through five steps: Setting, Task, Obstacle, Resolution, and Your Lesson. It complements rather than replaces the traditional “Five Elements of Story.”

Categories
Thinking ModelsLearning Methods
Target Users
StudentsProfessionalsEntrepreneursSpeakersCreators
Applicable
Interview communicationPublic SpeakingBrand StorytellingKnowledge sharing
#storytelling #framework #comminication #interview skills #speech

What is the STORY Model?

The STORY Model is a structured storytelling framework that helps people communicate experiences and ideas clearly in interviews, speeches, or branding.

It includes five steps:

  • S (Setting)
  • T (Task)
  • O (Obstacle)
  • R (Resolution)
  • Y (Your Lesson)

It works like a practical recipe: background → goal → challenge → solution → takeaway.

Difference and Connection with the Five Elements of Story

Many confuse the STORY Model with the Five Elements of Story (Character, Setting, Conflict, Plot, Theme).

  • Five Elements of Story focus on completeness and drama, mainly used in literature, novels, films.
  • STORY Model focuses on clarity and persuasion, mainly used in interviews, speeches, business communication.

Connection:

  • Both highlight “context” and “conflict/challenge.”
  • Five Elements = artistic storytelling.
  • STORY Model = practical communication.

👉 In short:

  • Five Elements = write a good story
  • STORY Model = tell a useful story

Origin and Application

  • Background: Emerged from narrative studies and business communication.
  • Use Cases: Interviews, corporate training, public speaking, branding.
  • Adoption: Common in large companies’ behavioral interviews (e.g., Google, Amazon).

How to Use the STORY Model

  1. Setting – Background info
  2. Task – Goal to achieve
  3. Obstacle – Challenges faced
  4. Resolution – Actions taken
  5. Your Lesson – Takeaway/insight

Compared to the Five Elements, this is more like a communication outline, ensuring the audience quickly grasps the key points.

Case Studies

  • Business Interview

    Clear, structured example with Setting–Task–Obstacle–Resolution–Lesson, highlighting contribution.

    Unlike the Five Elements, this skips artistic details and focuses on results.

  • Speech/Learning

    Example of debate with challenge and lesson learned.

    Five Elements would emphasize character arc; STORY emphasizes transferable insight.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Clear, structured, easy to remember
  • Applicable in multiple professional scenarios
  • Delivers powerful messages in limited time

Cons

  • Can sound formulaic
  • Requires reflection for the “lesson” part

Recommended Resources

  • Storytelling with You — Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic
  • Made to Stick — Chip & Dan Heath

Key Takeaway

“STORY Model: Structure your case, strengthen your message.”