Free printable
The Story Builder
Great speakers don’t list facts, they tell stories. Every strong story has the same five bones. Fill in each part, then tell your story out loud.
Work down the five bones, one line each, then tell the finished story at dinner. The same shape powers strong essays, class presentations, and one day, interviews.
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The five bones of a story
- Hook: drop us into a moment. No “once upon a time.”
- Who and want: who is it, and what do they want badly?
- Problem: the trouble, the obstacle, or the twist.
- Turning point: the choice or change that flips the story.
- Ending and so what: how it ends, and what it meant or taught.
Bring it to life
Once the bones are in place, add the details that make people feel it.
- Three senses: what you see, hear, and feel in the key moment.
- Your star moment: the one line you say slowly, so it lands.
Parent tip
Ask your child to tell the finished story at dinner and notice the star moment. This same shape powers strong essays, class presentations, and one day, interviews.
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