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Brandon Sanderson’s Simple Storytelling Model that Always Works


“Think about what your story promises and then ask yourself if you're actually moving toward it.”

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Brandon Sanderson’s Simple Storytelling Model that Always Works

Tired of overcomplicated storytelling formulas?

In this episode, Rain simplifies the process with a three-step model inspired by bestselling fantasy author Brandon Sanderson: Promise, Progress, Payoff. This framework is rooted in classical storytelling principles but designed for clarity and ease—whether you're telling a short story, a brand narrative, or a social media post.

Rain breaks down what each step means, how to apply it in your work, and why it's so effective at keeping your audience engaged and emotionally invested. You’ll hear examples from The Lion King, Star Wars, and even YouTube tutorials to show how Promise, Progress, and Payoff show up across formats.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by storytelling theory, this episode brings you back to what matters most: clear expectations, forward motion, and satisfying endings.

In the episode, you will learn to:

  • Use Promise, Progress, Payoff to guide any story you’re telling, no matter the format or length.

  • Establish clear expectations early to draw your audience in and build trust.

  • Keep your story on track by checking whether each moment is moving the narrative forward.

  • Deliver a satisfying resolution that rewards the time and attention of your audience.

  • Adapt this structure to content of any scale, from brand videos to epic novels.


“Think about what your story promises and then ask yourself if you're actually moving toward it.”


- Rain Bennett



If you want to understand a super simple model to keep your story on track...

this is the episode for you!



Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-storytelling-lab/ 

https://open.spotify.com/show/4lzDYE3HbAwTSmUYBXuMZp




Some of the highlights of the episode:


00:00 - Why Story Structures Feel So Complicated

01:26 - The Case for Simplicity in Storytelling

02:15 - Who Is Brandon Sanderson and Why This Model Works

03:51 - The Three Ps: Promise, Progress, Payoff

04:39 - How a Story Makes Its First Promise

06:55 - The Lion King and the Promise of the Throne

07:58 - What Progress Looks Like in a Story

09:18 - The Risk of Losing Trust Without Clear Progress

11:43 - Why Progress Matters in Business and Brand Stories

12:50 - The Payoff and What Makes It Satisfying

14:07 - Examples of Emotional Payoffs (Rocky, Terminator 2)

16:22 - Every Beat Must Support the Final Payoff

17:50 - A Real-World Example: YouTube Tutorials

18:42 - The Foundation of Promise, Progress, Payoff

20:14 - Using This Framework for Any Size Story

21:05 - Final Thoughts and Season 13 Wrap-Up


As always, I hope you enjoy the episode!

Rain





For more storytelling tips and tricks,


Visit my website rainbennett.com, or

Follow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyteller

Follow me on Twitter @rainbennett

Follow me on Instagram @rainbennett

Follow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab 

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