The Art of Storytelling: Inductive vs. Deductive!
I arrived on time for the meeting with my colleagues and my boss. I set up my system and turned on screen sharing for the wider audience. My manager was prepared to tell a story with a conclusion, hoping to convince the audience with logic and in-depth analysis. It was an hour-long presentation on the overall status of an ongoing IT project. Our main agenda was to strongly communicate that any additional business requirements or changes to the requirements must be managed and, if possible, prevented to ensure timely project delivery.
The meeting started, and he opened the presentation. The message was loud and clear, and we also aligned internally before the meeting. Ten minutes passed; my manager still hadn’t delivered the final message. He was going in circles, explaining what we have done so far, what the team’s value addition is, and what the scope of overall Change Requests looks like. Change Requests are changes in original business requirements. However, he couldn’t convey clearly that we needed to stop changes in scope immediately for the program’s success. I think he assumed the audience would understand and conclude based on the data points he had shared. I think he misunderstood the client, and they lost their patience and started questioning unrelated topics. Now, their attention was on other work items, and the message about stopping scope changes was lost. The meeting began, and he opened the presentation. The message was loud and clear, and we also aligned internally before the meeting. Ten minutes passed; my manager still hadn’t delivered the final message. He was going in circles, explaining what we have done so far, what the team’s value addition is, and what the scope of overall Change Requests looks like. Change Requests are changes in original business requirements. However, he couldn’t convey clearly that we needed to stop changes in scope immediately for the program’s success. I think he assumed the audience would understand and conclude based on the data points he had shared. I think he misunderstood the client, and they lost their patience and started questioning unrelated topics. Now, their attention was on other work items, and the message about stopping scope changes was lost.
After some time, I interjected and stated the crisp message that we need to draw a hard line in stone concerning the scope and that changes should be approved and accepted within the current timeline only on a conditional basis. Well, that statement irked my client, and they got upset. They couldn’t take what I told them made any sense when so many other issues were to be discussed. My approach was straightforward: identify the problem and then explain its rationale. However, my manager kept dragging the story by presenting facts, analysis, slice and dice of data, and the work done by the team so far without highlighting the problem statement. I tried, but it was too late, and we had to wrap up the meeting in 30 minutes with an upset client.
Now, let’s dissect the whole situation and try to understand what went wrong and what the right approach could be.
Storytelling is an ancient art that transcends cultures and generations. It’s a powerful way to communicate ideas, share experiences, and evoke emotions. Two prominent methods stand out among the various techniques storytellers employ: inductive and deductive storytelling or reasoning. Each has unique strengths and weaknesses, shaping how narratives unfold and engage audiences. In this post, we’ll explore both styles, compare them with the above incident, and ultimately determine which one might be more effective in storytelling.
Inductive Storytelling/Approach: Inductive storytelling builds a narrative from specific observations to broader conclusions. It starts with detailed scenes, character experiences, or events, leading the audience to piece together the overarching theme or message. Drawing readers or listeners into the details fosters a stronger emotional connection and allows audiences to reach conclusions.
Deductive Storytelling Approach — In contrast, deductive storytelling begins with a general statement or theme and then supports it with specific examples or evidence. This method often opens with a clear message, guiding readers through a series of events or illustrations that reinforce this idea. It offers a straightforward approach that makes the central message clear from the outset and provides more clarity. This method often feels more organized for the audience who wants to know the conclusion first. It’s easier for them to follow and relate the analysis.
In the above incident, we wanted to communicate about Scope change and how it can impact the go-live date or timeline. Also, the client was impatient and wanted to move faster. For such an audience, a deductive approach is very beneficial. You must have heard, “Let’s cut to the chase.” This phrase applies to the Deductive storytelling technique. First, explain the point, the problem statement, or the conclusion, and then provide reasoning, logic, and analysis. This technique helps to keep the audience engaged and brings clarity from the beginning.
Which approach is Better? Inductive Vs. Deductive
The effectiveness of inductive versus deductive storytelling largely depends on the context and audience. Here are some factors to consider:
- Audience Engagement: Inductive storytelling may be more effective if you aim to create an immersive experience where the audience discovers themes alongside characters. It invites the audience to invest in the journey.
- Message Clarity: If the primary aim is to communicate a clear and impactful message quickly, deductive storytelling shines. It sets expectations and can be particularly effective in persuasive or informative contexts.
- Emotional Impact: Inductive storytelling often creates a stronger emotional resonance as readers or listeners form connections with characters and experiences. Deductive storytelling can be powerful in its own right, particularly when delivering a poignant or universal truth.
In the world of storytelling, both inductive and deductive styles offer valuable tools. Inductive storytelling fosters discovery and emotional connection, while deductive storytelling provides clarity and structure. The best choice depends on your narrative goals, the nature of your content, and your audience’s preferences.
Blending both styles can yield fascinating results, allowing you to engage your audience differently throughout your story. Whether you lead them on a journey of discovery or guide them with a clear message, the key is to remain authentic to your voice and the story you wish to tell. Happy storytelling!
