Uchikura & Co., LLC

Kishōtenketsu: A Better Way to Tell a Story

 

A traditional storytelling structure widely used in Japan is called 起承転結 (kishōtenketsu). It is a simple four-part structure that can make stories, speeches, and presentations easier to follow and more memorable.

 

起 (Ki) — Introduction
Introduce the subject and establish the setting.

 

承 (Shō) — Development
Build on the idea with information, examples, or background.

 

転 (Ten) — Turn
Introduce something unexpected—a change, discovery, contrast, or different point of view.

 

結 (Ketsu) — Conclusion
Bring everything together and leave the audience with the message you want them to remember.

 

Kishōtenketsu has its roots in classical Chinese poetry and later developed in Japan as a method of organizing writing and storytelling.

 

Many anime follow this story line. Characters and situations are introduced, the story develops, something unexpected changes the direction, and finally the pieces come together. The 転 (ten) often creates the memorable moment that keeps the audience engaged.

 

You can use the same technique in business. When making a presentation, telling a customer story, introducing a product, or explaining an idea, don't simply present information from beginning to end. Create a ten—a moment that changes the audience's perspective.

 

Introduce it. Develop it. Turn it. Conclude it.

 

People may forget your slides and statistics, but they will remember a good story—and especially the turn.