The Storytelling Tool Stack
Seven output categories, seven micro-builds, one multiplication principle. The AI tool landscape changes monthly; the categories of what they produce are stable. Organize by output type, match tool to task, and one source becomes a full campaign.
Core concepts
Organize by output, not brand
Tools rise and fall. The categories of what they produce are stable: text, research, visuals, video, presentations, interactive, and multiplication. When a tool gets replaced by something better, you know which category to shop in.
Match tool to task, not novelty
The most impressive tool is the wrong choice if it doesn't serve your audience. A Datawrapper chart that loads in two seconds beats an immersive Three.js experience nobody opens.
The multiplication principle
One source, many outputs. One 60-minute keynote becomes a blog post, a LinkedIn thread, a policy brief, a newsletter excerpt, 8 social clips, and an audio story — each reaching a different audience through a different channel.
Exploration vs. production
Most categories have an exploration tool (Flow, Claude Artifacts, Perplexity) and a production tool (Canva, Gamma, BannerBear). Know which phase you are in before you open anything.
Playgrounds
Seven output categories
Build a persistent co-pilot with your frameworks loaded. This is your Step 1–4 workhorse.
Perplexity searches outward across the web. NotebookLM searches inward across your documents.
Flow first to explore directions. Canva to execute on the one you choose.
Veo for atmospheric scenario clips. ElevenLabs + Descript to produce narrated content.
Claude gives you more control. Gamma gives you a designed first draft in minutes.
Artifacts for prototyping inside your workflow. Opal for shareable public-facing tools.
OpusClip extracts clips automatically. Descript gives transcript-level editorial control.
Downloads
All seven output categories, recommended tools per category, decision matrix, and the full multiplication chain — one reference page.
module-4-tool-stack-reference.md
Paste into Claude Project Instructions, a ChatGPT Custom GPT, or a Gemini Gem to turn any AI conversation into a full storytelling co-pilot with your frameworks loaded.
module-4-copilot-instructions.md