The Seven Elements of Digital Storytelling
Created by the Center for Digital Storytelling, the Seven Elements are a useful starting point and framework for creating strong digital stories.
1. A point of view: Digital storytelling is a form of personal expression, so your story needs to be informed by your personal experience and understanding. Remember to use first person, "I" statements.
2. A dramatic question: Your story should have a central, dramatic question that is resolved by the end of the story. A compelling question will engage your your audience.
3. Emotional content: The best digital stories evoke an emotional response from the audience.
4. The gift of your voice: Your personal, unique narrative voice is at the core of a successful digital story. Allowing your personality to shine through will help audiences connect with your work and will personalize the story.
5. The power of the soundtrack: Music and sound effects help set the tone and help engage your audience.
6. Economy: Your story should be specific and thoroughly edited. A well-crafted story will hold the interest of your audience while not overloading them with content.
7. Pacing: Pacing, or the the rhythm of the story and how slowly or quickly it progresses, is critical to creating an engaging story.
Adapted from the University of Houston's About Digital Storytelling page and The Digital Storytelling Cookbook
