No matter if you’re giving speeches to thousands of people or pitching an idea to a small team, being a good communicator is a crucial skill for the future of work. And one thing all great storytellers have in common is that they are masterful storytellers.
Stories have a way to connect with people more than statistics or bullet points. People are much more likely to remember a story that made them feel an emotional connection than they are to remember even the most startling statistic.
Here are four ways to become a great storyteller.
- Look at what the numbers actually mean. Look beyond just the numbers themselves to where they came from and what they mean. Everyone can look at numbers and come to a different conclusion, but telling the stories behind the numbers keeps everyone on the same page and shows their impact. Numbers are typically rooted in people, so tie the statistics to emotions and people instead of just numbers.
- Connect with people emotionally. When you can be vulnerable and admit your struggles, you’re much more likely to connect with people on a human level. Taking the step with a vulnerable or honest story invites people to share their own stories and build real connections. People don’t want to hear about how amazing you are—they want to hear real, honest stories that make you relatable.
- Get personal. People remember real stories much more than hypothetical or fictional stories. The best stories you can tell are your own because you’ve lived them. No one can tell your story as effectively as you. If you’re not comfortable sharing your own stories, start small with lighter anecdotes until you can work up to a longer personal story to get your point across.
- Focus on the main point. You may have a great story to tell, but it loses all of its power if you ramble and add too many details. Think of the main point of the story and what you are trying to get across. When you focus on the goal of telling the story, you can leave out all the fluff and extra details that distract from the main point.
Becoming a masterful storyteller takes practice, but by being willing to open up and share your experiences, you can build strong connections and become a great communicator, no matter the stage.
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