Why “Show, Not Tell”?
01/28/09 03:01:58 PMWe’re standing on the edge of a major change in everyday business practices, and it’s going to change the business world as much as the transition from the electric typewriter to the word processor reshaped the business community. Over the next few years, the digital tools that you’ve watched in movies and used for entertainment will enter the world as full-fledged business tools. Then, they will become intuitive applications usable by anyone—children and grandparents alike.
You’ve probably been enchanted by Pixar’s storytelling power through digital animation. When the lights go down, you’re transported into vibrant new worlds—filled with animated toys, over-protective clownfish, squabbling domestic superheroes, racetrack drama, culinary rats, and lonely robots. These films produce surprise and delight.
Yet, we seem to live in a much less exciting world. Some of us spend our time trapped reading and writing text-based e-mails. We get trapped in meetings where some passionless speaker fires off bullet-points until we surrender to complete boredom. We submit a proposal to our bosses and clients, and when they ask, “what will this look like” we often find ourselves giving a vague answer or writing out more words. Always more words.
Each of Pixar’s movies had strong global box-office receipts because they present great stories within incredibly powerful visuals. Now, stop and think about that combination for moment. What if you or your company could achieve the same results? Can companies (let alone individuals) really harness the power of digital storytelling?
That’s why we believe in the principal of “Show, Not Tell.” It’s going to transform how we share ideas and communicate information. For years, visual storytelling tools provided fantastical entertainment. Now the toys in the nursery room have grown up. They’re ready to transform our workplaces and our home lives.
