Story: Meaning

The meaning, consequences, outcomes, so what? what happened next? where to from here?

The meaning, consequences, outcomes >>

What happens in a meal of tacos? A beautiful mess! That’s generally the outcome. A lot of leftovers on the plate to scoop up with broken pieces of tacos or a fork. Do the other outcomes include a full stomach? Salsa sauce all over everyone’s faces? Dirty napkins or shirt fronts? Perhaps the discussion has started, “Let’s do this again!” or, “What’s next?”

Lot’s of possibilities like this happen in every story, from the simple sharing of highlights to the complex narrative of novels! All options sit together in this category, all the same but different. Some of them sound like thoughts or feelings, but that’s OK. They belong in this part too.

In stories, any clue as to meaning might include words like:

• “it means” … going without; we can go on our holiday after all; I will have to pay it back; having to say I’m sorry; well, for one thing, I will be able/won’t be able to afford the rent; …
• “as a consequence” … natural or inflicted consequences, good and bad … I’m in trouble; my first pay goes into my bank account today; …
• “out of all this” … outcomes … I’m very thankful; more than I thought possible; not being able to finish the job for ages; happily ever after; a new car; spend more time with the kids; …
• “so what?” … dunno; just stuck, I guess; time to move on; moving to Queensland; …
• “well, what happened next …” got a new job the next day; nothing, just months of waiting; …
• “where it went from here” … I took a break, recover; sit back and enjoy it all now I’m finished; I just had more questions.

Story listener: [Meaning] Sensitively ask clarifying questions to explore the natural outcomes of the other parts of the story. Be aware of your own responses/reactions as to what you would do or say, but resist chipping in with these. Remain a listener.

meaning, consequences, outcomes, so what? what happened next? where to from here?

What [meaning/ consequences/ outcomes/ so what?/ what happened next?/ where to from here?] did you hear/assume as you listened Some? None? What clarifying questions as to these as to any of these?

Storytelling: [Meaning] A skilled storyteller will help a listener see, comprehend, or sense the outcomes, complications, or consequences for the focus character in each part of the story. Sometimes this is left out, and a storyteller will perhaps ask an ‘I wonder …’ question. (e.g. I wonder what happened because of what he said?) Sometimes the storyteller will purposefully leave this part out to create intrigue, suspense, or a deeper listener engagement.

As you shared your highlight, what [meaning/ consequences/ outcomes/ so what?/ what happened next?/ where to from here?] did you include in your story? If not, were you trying to achieve something by not including something of this?

Your comments

Because this is a learning community space, the task now is to critique the ideas &/or stories presented here.

• Use the comment space below to share your ideas, responses, questions, alternative points of view, or suggested improvements and reasoning.
• Share how you would use any of this appropriately in your context, with your skills, and in your style!
• Add below any of your own related experiences or similar examples of stories or ideas you have seen, heard, or tried.