10 Tips for Better Digital Storytelling

What is digital storytelling?

Digital storytelling is the practice of telling a story or communicating a message via a computer-based tool. It is usually a shortform piece frequently referred to as the production arm of content creation. Utilizing multimedia programs, a digital storyteller can bring any kind of narrative to life.

Elements of digital storytelling

As with all things, editing is essential. All digital stories need direction, so make sure you have storyboarded each part clearly, and know how you’ll be utilizing text and visuals so as not to overwhelm the production. Make sure before you start creating that you know how your story concludes, and how to get it there in one piece.

Point of view

• Who is telling this story? Where are they coming from, and what are they trying to accomplish with this story?

Purpose

• What is this story trying to achieve? Does this story have a purpose, and what is it?

The question

• What is the central question that drives the story’s plot forward? What gives it meaning or motivation? Is there a puzzle or mystery to solve?

Emotional content

For a story to be successful — meaning that it holds the audience’s attention and gets its central point across — there needs to be an emotional connection to the material being presented. Effective digital stories manage to access fundamental truths that viewers can interpret for themselves.

Voice

Narration of a story by its maker can further personalize the material and make it more accessible for the viewers. It can also add nuance to larger themes.

Sound

Whether completely silent or packed with dynamic soundtrack selections, a digital story needs a background of sound that further illustrates what is happening. Silence can allow for the action to speak for itself, while scoring or songs can underline the emotion in the moments being presented.