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#202 Matthew Dicks: The Storytelling Expert
The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish
Less is More: Allow Audience to Fill the Gaps
Effective storytelling hinges on the art of leaving gaps for the audience to fill. Over-describing characters or situations can diminish emotional connection, as evidenced by research on comic books. Simpler, less detailed characters foster greater relatability because they encourage the audience to project their own ideas and feelings onto them. While storytellers often fall into the trap of over-explaining out of a desire for clarity or personal attachment, this approach can alienate the audience. The successful storyteller recognizes the distinction between personal desire and audience expectations, crafting narratives that invite engagement and personal interpretation rather than dictating how characters or scenes should be perceived.
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