A quick tip for adding story to sentences

_{Day 32/100}

Storytelling is hard. Like really hard.

I've been asked where people should start with story, and honestly, I don't know. But, I do know how to add story to sentences. Make them more visual. And that's always fun to play with.

Let's talk about playful brand voice, because most people are doing it wrong. I've seen so many brands try to "sound fun" and end up sounding like your uncle trying to use TikTok slang.

Here's what actually works: creating unexpected mental images that stick in your reader's brain like gum on a hot sidewalk.

Look at these boring-ass sentences:

• "Our software saves you time."

• "This approach didn't work well."

• "We offer exceptional customer service."

Now check out the versions that actually make people pay attention:

• "Our software saves you more time than a jetpack at a marathon."

• "This approach went down faster than a lead bowling ball in a kiddie pool."

• "We're on your side like that one friend who holds your hair back after tequila night."

See the difference? The second set forces your brain to create a weird little movie, and that's what makes content stick.

SO, here's my quick approach to making sentences, and ultimately your content, more playful and imho, tells a better story:

1. Write what you actually want to say first

2. Ask yourself: "What's an absurd situation that illustrates this point?"

3. Make it specific and visual

4. Don't overthink it - weird works

Try it on your next piece. And if you need help making your content actually work, you know where to find me.

✌️Tim “Not Tim Henson the tennis player” Hanson
CMO @Penfriend.ai

P.S. Most AI tools suck at this because they play it safe. If you're using AI, push it to be more specific and absurd with your examples.