Narrative Paradigm

1. Narrative Paradigm People are storytelling animals. Walter Fisher

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

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. 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. 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” Logic of Good Reasons

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