Summary: Consider the reception of Hulu’s “Pam and Tommy” versus Netflix’s “Pamela, a Love Story.” It’s important to let people tell their own stories and incorporate authenticity into brand content. By telling the real stories, you can spark real change.
When it comes to storytelling, it is easy to fall for a compelling storyline. Take 2022’s Hulu sensation, “Pam & Tommy.” The story contains all elements of a riveting tale: sex, drugs, and rock and roll. But it lacked something essential to good storytelling: Authenticity.
There are countless articles on the internet discussing the problem with “Pam and Tommy” and how the show was made without Pamela Anderson’s involvement. One article quotes Anderson saying, “I have no desire to watch it. Not going to watch it. Never watched the tape. I’m not going to watch this. Who knows how they’re going to portray it.” It’s clear that rehashing this traumatic event has had a significant impact on Anderson.
In the spring of 2023, Netflix released “Pamela, a Love Story.” The documentary is a collaboration between Director Ryan White and Anderson. She shared her personal archives with the director to create an incredibly moving documentary that puts viewers through emotional paces. The documentary gave Anderson her voice back and created an undeniable intimacy between the viewer and the subject. It told a true, authentic story that the public could resonate with.
Why Do People Like Real Stories?
This is a question that we probably would not have asked years ago when sitcoms, reality TV, and soap operas were at the forefront of pop culture. As documentaries and scripted series based on real events continue to evolve on various streaming platforms, it is clear there has been a major shift in entertainment. The question then becomes, why?
One reason the tide has shifted could be a response to the era of misinformation. Documentaries and authentic storytelling provide a sense of truth and clarity to a world that is, frankly, pretty hard to navigate. That’s why brands are using documentaries to tell their stories beyond traditional marketing or advertising. For instance, Spotify created a four-minute minidocumentary in 2022 that featured Kendrick Lamar experiencing life in Ghana. There’s no mention of the artist’s new album until halfway through the video — the goal was to tell an authentic story.
Importance of Authentic Brand Storytelling
Authentic storytelling is one of the most impactful things you can do as a brand, whether you work in film, marketing, healthcare, or education. While it can be fun to be entertained by fabricated stories and plot lines, there is something compelling and emotional about real stories. Real stories have a way of reminding people of their humanity, connecting people together, and bringing truth back to a fragmented world.
Here are some tips on how to tell stories authentically in business.
- This may seem obvious, but bring in real people.
It is important to let people tell their own stories. There is serious power in this. Before communicating a concept, idea, or story, ask yourself:
- Who should be a part of this process?
- Whose voice deserves to be heard in this space?
- Who could help me tell the most authentic story?
- Listen.
Listening can be one of the best tools when it comes to authentic brand storytelling. When interviewing someone, listen to the person you are speaking with — and I mean really listen. Ask questions that will spark deeper conversations, allow for pauses, and try to summarize what they said and repeat it back. When you take the time to create a safe space for people to share their experiences and make them feel heard, your content will speak for itself.
- Ask compelling questions.
As a storyteller, you might be tempted to add to someone’s story to make it more compelling or entertaining. But rather than stretch the truth, ask more questions! Everyone has a story to tell, and it is the job of the storyteller to gently pull out the story and ask the hard questions.
- Convey emotion.
Emotions are a key element of storytelling that not only show authenticity but also allow for connection. Emotions are often the source of action and movement, whether that’s to do something for the greater good or make a change in your own life. Don’t shy away from sharing emotional moments with your audience; they will love it.
Storytelling may be one of your best tools when creating authentic content. Establish yourself as a brand people can rely on by putting in the work to tell real stories that spark real change.
Written by Rachel Klein.
Have you read?
The World’s Top 10 Highest-Paid Wealth Management Executives.
CEO compensation: Highest paid chief executive officers in the United States in 2022.
Highly-Paid Entertainment Chief Executives (Averaged $31.66 Million), 2022.
Highest paid health insurance CEOs.
Most Powerful Companies in Australia, 2023.
Add CEOWORLD magazine to your Google News feed.
Follow CEOWORLD magazine headlines on: Google News, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
Copyright 2024 The CEOWORLD magazine. All rights reserved. This material (and any extract from it) must not be copied, redistributed or placed on any website, without CEOWORLD magazine' prior written consent. For media queries, please contact: info@ceoworld.biz
