How to Make A Good Story Great

These are gathered from personal experience of working mostly on print media for the past 20 odd years.  

Embrace Firsthand Experience

A direct experience of the subject matter transforms your storytelling. Instead of relying solely on press releases or second-hand accounts, immerse yourself in personal experience. This authenticity resonates with readers, giving your narrative credibility and emotional weight that can’t be manufactured. When you’ve lived what you write, your voice carries conviction that readers instinctively trust.

Gather Diverse Perspectives

Share insights from others who have experienced the same event. Everyone processes experiences differently based on their age, mental maturity, social background and personal history. These varied perspectives enrich your narrative, creating a multidimensional story that appeals to a broader audience. By weaving together different viewpoints, you transform a singular account into a tapestry of human experience.

Ground Your Narrative in Data

When your story references statistics or research findings, always cite your sources. Concrete data adds credibility and context, allowing readers to connect abstract concepts to measurable realities. Well-placed statistics or research findings can transform an emotional appeal into a compelling case, particularly when addressing complex social or other topics.

Craft a Deliberate Structure

Even when dealing with factual information, consider narrative flow. Structure your piece to build understanding progressively. Start with a compelling hook that illustrates why the information matters, then layer in complexity as you proceed. Use techniques like problem-solution frameworks, chronological development, or thematic organisation to guide readers through complicated subjects. For longer works, consider how chapters can function as complete units while contributing to the overall narrative arc.

Employ Precise Description

Bring real people, places and events to life through specific, accurate descriptions. Note the architectural details of a significant building, the expressions on people’s faces during key moments, or the environmental conditions during an event. These concrete details create an immersive experience while establishing your authority as a careful observer. Try to not make these descriptions as embellishments, but truthful representations that help readers understand what was genuinely present and important.

Refine Your Language for Clarity

After drafting, edit ruthlessly for precision and accessibility. Replace jargon with clear explanations, break down complex concepts into digestible parts, and ensure technical information is accurately presented. Vary sentence structure to maintain reader engagement, but prioritise clarity over stylistic flourishes. Effective non-fiction writing doesn’t call attention to itself but instead makes complex information understandable and memorable.

Connect to Larger Significance

Help readers understand why your information matters by connecting specific facts to broader patterns, historical contexts, or future implications. What does this case study reveal about wider social trends? How does this discovery change our understanding of processes? By drawing these connections explicitly, you transform isolated information into meaningful knowledge that readers can apply to their understanding of the world.