#152 Kishōtenketsu
source: “Crazy Lady” by Olivia Stephens (Rhode Island School of Design)
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Do you feel like your MBA story is a bit bland? Or uninspiring compared to the applicant profiles you see online? What if you haven’t overcome insurmountable odds or accomplished something amazing?
Darren explores the possibilities of kishōtenketsu – a four act story structure used by Japanese and Chinese writers for centuries. What makes this story structure interesting is that it relies on contrast – not conflict – to generate interest.
Kishōtenketsu in 4 acts:
- Ki (start)
- Shō (development)
- Ten (twist)
- Ketsu (conclusion)
Listen on for ways you can use this Eastern story structure to keep admissions officers’ attention AND demonstrate your self-awareness.
Show Notes
- The Significance of Plot without Conflict (Still Eating Oranges)
- Nintendo’s “kishōtenketsu” Mario level design philosophy explained
- Charles Eisenstein
- #4: 4 Ways to Get and Keep the Adcom’s Attention
- #51 Stalking the Story for Your MBA Essays
- #83 MBA Essays that Work – Candid Thoughts on Essays, Authenticity and Being Yourself
- #93 Which Extracurriculars
- #113 Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t
source: Still Eating Oranges