The Narrative Gym: Introducing the ABT Framework For Messaging and Communication

by Randy Olson

The Narrative Gym by Dr. Randy Olson presents a new model for messaging and communication. It's a short, practical guide to the ABT Framework (And, But, Therefore) which needs to be on the desk of everyone crafting a message, essay, strategy, novel, campaign, proposal, presentation, screenplay, argument, joke, ballad, report … pretty much all communication. There is no other book on the ABT Framework. There is no other analytical model for narrative structure like the ABT Framework. This is a new and unique resource. The ABT seems like something from elementary school and at its core is as old as the ancient Greeks, but the formulation only began less than a decade ago. The original insights for this communication model come from Hollywood screenwriting. The importance of the three words (And, But, Therefore) began with legendary screenwriting instructor Frank Daniel of the U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts who in a 1986 speech first talked of replacing the word “and” with either “but” or “therefore” to strengthen the narrative content of a text. This was propagated by his students, then articulated by the co-creators of the animated series, “South Park,” in a 2011 documentary. Randy Olson formulated the ABT Narrative Template (“___ AND ___ BUT ___ THEREFORE ___”) in his 2013 TEDMED Talk, and his 2015 book, “Houston, We Have A Narrative.” It is at the heart of how humans have communicated for thousands of years. You can see it in the Gettysburg Address, nursery rhymes, argumentation, comic structure, myths, the billion-viewed “Call Me Maybe” song from Carlie Rae Jepsen, the 1600’s poem “To His Coy Mistress,” blockbuster movies — on and on. It's at the core of everything memorable because it is narrative itself. The bottom line You’ve got something to say AND you know it’s important, BUT you’re having trouble boiling it down to its powerful and essential core, THEREFORE you need the ABT Framework. “The Narrative Gym is the definitive communications tool for the Information Society.” - Michael Strauss, Former head of the Office of Science Quality Review, U.S.D.A.

Genres: Business, Writing

106 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2020

Reviews

[Fabio Mologni · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many resources about writing and communicating well AND they exhaustively cover it. BUT none of them provides such an simple and effective framework. THEREFORE, read this book.

Pros: extremely succint
Cons: could be even shorter

[Dan Slone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Science writing, financial writing, and writing on climate change all fail to communicate key information. Much of this writing cannot hold our attention, much less move us to act. But, Randy Olson has written a book that teaches how to structure complex ideas into memorable story fragments to drive action. Therefore, you should buy his book (as well as the follow-up specialty books for business people, lawyers, etc) to learn the ABT (and, but, therefore) framework. Like all good frameworks it is simple at its core, but surrounded by nuances of practice that will take work to master. Olson periodically conducts courses on the ABT approach which I can also recommend.

[Ayon Ibrahim · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has some good messaged about framing narrative structures and making your story more understandable and interesting, especially to those outside your field. However, the book - though short as it is - has a somewhat repetitive cadence that had me feeling frustrated and impatient. There was also an element of...not sure how to word it, but it felt as if I was reading an infomercial, if that makes sense.

I guess it's worth the read even though it's kind of annoying...it's quite short, so that helps.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super quick & highly practical! Leadership requires effective communication. The “And But Therefore” model is easy for readers/listeners to absorb. (Call Me Maybe, ha!) Get to the heart of the matter, hold attention, and demonstrate importance!

Good way to process the narrative by starting with problem, going back to context/why, then leading audience to consequences.

We can be better at telling stories!

[Jason Krause · Rating 5 out of 5]

The quickest communication book I’ve read, and one of the most impactful

If you want to communicate effectively and have more of an impact with your words, but you don’t have a proven format, this book is for you. If you get the Narrative Gym and apply it’s principles, then you will probably notice your future communication is more persuasive.

[Tim Yurek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Business tool

What a wonderful way to learn how to deliver your message to your audience. Short, concise, yet very powerful, Story On!

[Max van der Velden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simpel boek met uitleg over het belang van een verhaal vertellen in communicatie met ABT structuur. Eigenlijk een introductie tot “Houston, we have a narrative”.

[Nicole Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read into better narrative and storytelling. I recommend for all scientists, and science adjacent communicators.

[Björn Bolderdijk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to narrative structure