The South Park Writer’s Secret to Storytelling 🤣🤣
Storytelling has never been something I’ve been great at. Perhaps I didn’t get the storytelling “gene” of the family.
But story is SOOOO important in marketing and communicating. Sometimes I feel almost handicapped in my inability to tell a compelling, interesting story.
So anytime I get presented with an opportunity to improve my storytelling, I jump on it.
And this week I discovered a tip so good, I just had to share it with you.
And it’s from the genius creators of South Park.
So here’s a link to the actual YouTube video where Matt Stone and Trey Parker reveal some of their storytelling secrets. Watch this first:
Now when I first watched this, it didn’t “click” immediately for me. I didn’t understand exactly what they meant. So to help articulate it, I’m stealing the best YouTube comment (Thanks Shaquele .Roberts!).
This is the outline of the Casa Bonita episode of South Park (by the way, Casa Bonita is a real place in Denver….I’ve been there…it’s an experience).
First Act
1. Kyle Has a Birthday party which is scheduled to take place at Casa Bonita, which is Cartman’s favorite restaurant.
2. But, because Cartman constantly rips Kyle, Cartman isn’t invited and Butters is invited instead.
Second Act
3. Therefore, Cartman devises a multilayered plan in order to go to Casa Bonita instead of Butters. First, he tricks Kyle into making him think that he’s changed for the better. Then, he traps Butters in a bomb shelter until the day arrives.
4. But, the town becomes worried and everyone starts to look for Butters.
5. Therefore, Cartman decides to take Butters out of the bomb shelter, and stick him in a fridge, then break the handle off so that Butters can’t escape.
6. But, Butters is transported into a garbage dump and breaks out of the fridge, mistakenly assuming civilization is over.
Third Act
7. Butters is eventually found by a garbage lady, who tells him that not only is civilization fine, but the entire town was searching for him. Butters then makes a phone call to let his parents know what happened.
8. Therefore, just as Cartman is about to go into Casa Bonita, he is found out and the police are called to take him to jail.
9. But, Cartman decides to make a break for it and enjoy Casa Bonita, as his plan crumbles around him.
Resolution
When asked if everything he did was worth it, Cartman gives the simple response, “Totally”.
Fascinating, isn’t it?
If you can transition with “but” and “therefore”, you’re likely telling a compelling story. If you just say “and then”, you’re likely missing the mark.
There you go. You just improved your ability to tell a compelling story, connect with people, and make all your dreams come true.
Thanks Matt and Trey!