1. People are storytelling animals. Walter Fisher
Narrative Paradigm
People are storytelling animals.
Walter Fisher

2. A conceptual framework; a universal model that calls people to view events through a common interpretive lens
Paradigm

3. Symbolic actions--words/deeds--that have sequence and meaning for those who live, create, or interpret them
Rooted in time and space
Covers every aspect of life with regard to character, motive, and action
Verbal and nonverbal messages
Narration

4. Coherence & Fidelity (Twin Tests of Rationality)
Narrative Coherence
Does the story hang together? Is it probable to the hearer?
Can be assessed by comparing a story to others with a similar theme
Ultimate test: Can we count on characters to act in a reliable manner?
Narrative Fidelity
Does the story ring true and humane?
Does the story square with the hearer’s experiences?
Story has fidelity when it provides good reasons to guide future actions
Logic of Good Reasons
Coherence & Fidelity (Twin Tests of Rationality)

5. Logic of Good Reasons We are concerned with:
1. Values embedded in the message
2. The relevance of those values to decisions made
3. Consequence of adhering to those values
4. The overlap with the worldview of the audience
5. Conformity with what the audience members believe is “an ideal basis for conduct”

6. Identification -Kenneth Burke
Achieved through content and style
Works both ways
Never complete
Without it, there is no persuasion
Identification -Kenneth Burke