I love this - and I find that when I want to go heavy into my back story - typically it's because I doubt my main point is strong enough to stand on its own. If I trust my idea and am primarily focused on providing value to my reader (rather than soothing my ego or making myself appear better/smarter) - this is much easier to do.
It’s a valuable gut check because if you think your main point might not be strong enough, it either (A) is strong enough so you should remind yourself of that and double down on your main point, or (B) it’s not strong enough and you can regroup to figure out what you’re really wanting to say. It’s a win either way. Great insight Vanessa, thanks for sharing.
This is great advice and I love all the specific examples. It's funny as a listener I don't want a lot of backstory but, when I'm speaking, I feel like I need to provide a lot of backstory. Trying to get that paradox in sync.
When we're in the moment, it's easy to get carried away because we have a captive audience--at least in the beginning of our story. And let's be honest, it's fun to hear ourselves talk. Our default is to see the world through our own lens, so I need to actively ask myself: "What will the OTHER person find interesting and useful?"
In a post that went out this morning, I initially had a ton of backstory. I thought it would give context. It didn’t. I hacked 2 paragraphs into 3 sentences, and it was exactly what the story needed.
Wow, I was reading along kinda nodding and then you stopped me in my tracks. Start the story right before getting eaten the bear?!
I was hooked for the rest of the article.
All the examples really helped to show how painful it is for listeners when too much backstory is shared. I’ve been in so many of those meetings and listened to so many YouTube videos like that - 27 mins long to change a light bulb, or similar 😂
Thanks Wes! Super applicable for my writing and communication. Gonna be thinking about this for a while.
It’s an ongoing practice to start right before you get eaten by the bear. I think about this when crafting the narrative for presentations, before hopping on intro calls, and pretty much all the time. Glad it’s resonating with you Caleb!
Dang! As a recruiter, I see this everyday with myself, my clients and candidates. I will be more conscious of the backstory creep and politely steer conversations to the main points.
Backstory scope creep definitely happens in the hiring process and all stakeholders contribute to it. I love that you’re mindful of it now and will try to help folks out--I’m sure candidates, employers, and fellow recruiters will be thankful for this Joseph.
This was the backstory slap in the face I needed. Thank you!
Glad this is resonating with you Karen
I love this - and I find that when I want to go heavy into my back story - typically it's because I doubt my main point is strong enough to stand on its own. If I trust my idea and am primarily focused on providing value to my reader (rather than soothing my ego or making myself appear better/smarter) - this is much easier to do.
It’s a valuable gut check because if you think your main point might not be strong enough, it either (A) is strong enough so you should remind yourself of that and double down on your main point, or (B) it’s not strong enough and you can regroup to figure out what you’re really wanting to say. It’s a win either way. Great insight Vanessa, thanks for sharing.
This is great advice and I love all the specific examples. It's funny as a listener I don't want a lot of backstory but, when I'm speaking, I feel like I need to provide a lot of backstory. Trying to get that paradox in sync.
When we're in the moment, it's easy to get carried away because we have a captive audience--at least in the beginning of our story. And let's be honest, it's fun to hear ourselves talk. Our default is to see the world through our own lens, so I need to actively ask myself: "What will the OTHER person find interesting and useful?"
Yes! So helpful to think about things from another person's perspective in so many areas.
In a post that went out this morning, I initially had a ton of backstory. I thought it would give context. It didn’t. I hacked 2 paragraphs into 3 sentences, and it was exactly what the story needed.
Nice, Kevin! So satisfying
You have managed to share tips to write a great fiction introduction and a story in general, Wes! Thank you!
Thanks for being here Celeste!
Really enjoyed this! The diagram is an great visual, too.
Appreciate you Amy 🙏
Wow, I was reading along kinda nodding and then you stopped me in my tracks. Start the story right before getting eaten the bear?!
I was hooked for the rest of the article.
All the examples really helped to show how painful it is for listeners when too much backstory is shared. I’ve been in so many of those meetings and listened to so many YouTube videos like that - 27 mins long to change a light bulb, or similar 😂
Thanks Wes! Super applicable for my writing and communication. Gonna be thinking about this for a while.
It’s an ongoing practice to start right before you get eaten by the bear. I think about this when crafting the narrative for presentations, before hopping on intro calls, and pretty much all the time. Glad it’s resonating with you Caleb!
I shouldn't have delayed reading this article. As a newsletter writer, I need these tips!
Love it.
Thank you Raviraj, this means a lot 🙏
Dang! As a recruiter, I see this everyday with myself, my clients and candidates. I will be more conscious of the backstory creep and politely steer conversations to the main points.
Backstory scope creep definitely happens in the hiring process and all stakeholders contribute to it. I love that you’re mindful of it now and will try to help folks out--I’m sure candidates, employers, and fellow recruiters will be thankful for this Joseph.
Guilty as charged. I have gotten. Good to keep your advice at hand. Thanks!
Found this from your latest post on notes. That graphic to start the article is outstanding.
That was really great. Thanks!
Appreciate you Matt!
"Start your story right before you get eaten by the bear" - I am going to start using this line. Great advice.
Great post!
Thank you Philo 🙏
I will start to apply those teachings more. I think I made an attempt in my last piece from today. Went BAM BAM BAM!
https://philoinvestor.substack.com/p/the-bond-market-is-cracking
And that’s when it HIT ME…
YES! (would add podcasts as well) “I wish the panelists spent more time talking about their backgrounds,” said no one ever.