Tellised

Tellised is an adjective used in contemporary media criticism to describe narrative content in which the act of telling is central to how information is conveyed. A tellised work foregrounds narration, often employing direct address, first-person perspective, or explicit commentary to organize facts, events, or arguments as a story. The term functions as a descriptive label rather than a value judgment, though critics debate its effects on perceived objectivity and reader or listener immersion.

Etymology: From tell, meaning to recount, combined with the -ised suffix, reflecting its coinage in modern discourse around memoirs, podcasts, and explainer media.

Characteristics and usage: Tellised works typically feature explicit narrative framing, episodic or chronological structure, meta-narrative commentary, and selective disclosure designed to shape interpretation. The storyteller's voice remains audible throughout, and information is often packaged with anecdote, stakes, and pacing that mimic fiction, even when conveying factual content. The approach does not require fictionalization; nonfiction can be tellised if narrative framing dominates.

Contexts and reception: The term is applied across literature, film, journalism, and online media to describe pieces that prioritize storytelling as a device for dissemination. Tellisation can coexist with traditional expository methods but may blur lines between fact and interpretation. Critics argue it can boost engagement, memory, and accessibility, while others worry it may bias interpretation or oversimplify complexity. See also: storytelling, narration, metafiction, rhetoric.