Make the case
And, but, therefore
Also called ABT
Context joined with "and", a problem introduced with "but", and a consequence with "therefore": a story in one sentence.
- Time10 to 20 minutes
- People1 to 8 people
- Steps4
What it's for
Most explanations are a string of facts joined by "and", which gives the listener nothing to follow. "But" adds a problem and "therefore" adds a consequence, and that turns information into a story with a reason to care.
It's the quickest structure here, good for an email opening, a project summary or the first line of a talk.
How to run it
Set the context3 min
Two facts the audience agrees with, joined with "and".
Add the problem3 min
What's wrong or missing, starting with "but".
Give the consequence3 min
What follows, starting with "therefore".
Read it as one sentence5 min2 votes each
Write several versions and vote on the strongest.
Tips
- If your story has several "and then"s, try replacing each with "but" or "therefore".
- The "but" carries the tension. Make it specific.
Where it comes from
Developed by the scientist turned filmmaker Randy Olson and set out in Houston, We Have a Narrative (2015). He credits the South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, who say scenes should be joined by "but" and "therefore" rather than "and then".
Pairs well with
Situation, complication, question, answer
Open a report or a pitch with what's true, what changed, the question that raises, and your answer to it.
Story spine
Eight sentence starters, from "Once upon a time" to "And ever since then", that give any story a beginning, a turn and an end.
Three-act structure
Set-up, confrontation and resolution, with two turning points that move the story from one act to the next.