I put myself in the category of a motivational speaker, but I consider myself nothing more than a storyteller. And I don't think anything more is needed. Because if you have the ability to tell a powerful value-filled story, then it will serve you well in life and in business. Most of us have something we want to "sell" – a truth we want to share – information we want to transfer – an impact we want to make. This information, while it may be interesting, has no impact until you wrap it in a way that speaks beyond their mind, to their heart. Information does not convince. The story does that. Stories do what information can't. They take your information and make it real to the receiver. Delivering information has a pushing action – telling a story has a pulling action. When I tell a story people don't move. They don't text. They don't chat. They don't poke their neighbor. While I'd love to think it's because I'm a good storyteller, I give more credit to the vehicle - story – and its power to do what I can not.
In case you are not convinced, think about American Idol and how we get so involved in the stories of the characters. Sometimes (think Susan Boyle) we fall in love with the story more than the singing. Think about Taylor Swift. There are many who don't understand her fame – many who think her talent just does not match it. I understand completely. But I know what they love about her. She's not just singing – she's telling stories. Not hers – theirs. In fact, wouldn't you say that the music you love is the music that tells your story and speaks to your heart? Songs are just stories set to music. And last time I checked, music was still going strong. Same thing with movies. We buy into the story that speaks to us – and for two hours we are lost in it. I would challenge you to watch people in positions of impact (leaders, politicians, bosses, preachers, changers of the world) and see if and how they use stories. Watch good television commercials for the same thing. Are they focusing on the product, or are they telling the story of you using this product? Watch the storytellers in life around you.
And here's the ultimate test: Try telling your eight-year-old what to do versus telling him a story that teaches that principle. See which one works better. The story will get his attention. And he will remember it. He still may not do it – but at least you got his attention. I didn't say storytelling would work miracles.
And so today, as we embark on the end of one year and look towards another, I ask that you take a serious look at storytelling and its power to help you impact others. How are you using stories? What are the many areas of your life where a story would fit? Where are the many facets of your business where storytelling would help you connect with your customers or employees? (Think sales calls, web, blogs, facebook page, even phone conversations!) What are the stories that make up your portfolio? What is YOUR story?
(PS I should have followed my own advice. This whole article is filled with information - things you should do. I broke my own rule. I'm not walking my talk. I could have told one story proving the power of stories, and it would have been highly more effective. I could have SHOWN you instead of TOLD you. Oh well. Maybe next time.)
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You are so right on with this Kelly! Frenchie had a wine tasting event for a group of meeting planners and the event coordinator told me to showcase what I did too. I just couldn't see opening with what I did as a motivational speaker and then introduce the wine guy. There just wasn't a fit. So, I told the story of how we met and as a motivational speaker – I talk about the power of dreams. Then, I introduced The Baron of Wine, and my husband….Much to my surprise, the reaction surprised the heck out of the event coordinator! The comments she got after was not how great Yves was doing his wine pairing event, but how together we were amazing. I'm convinced it was all about the story. It wouldn't have been nearly as affective if I said "let me tell you about me before I introduce your guest speaker." As far as storytelling goes, you are the best. Keep these amazing blogs coming!!! And, I'm thankful for you my dear friend.
Okay you BOTH just delivered on this truth. Story's rock. I love hearing a story, and Kelly YOU are the best at drawing others in with a story. I know this to be true, and yet struggle at times to find a personal story that I feel is worthy of telling. I'm slowly learning. When I spoke to the female attorneys I was providing strategy with stories from their members to support what I was saying. When I shared my own perfectionist story regarding the Xmas tree and my daughter Chandler, that is what all of them came up afterwards to talk about. They had their own personal story that was similar and wanting to share. Stories do connect us and draw us in just like you said. I'm also blessed to share this blog with such incredible story tellers.
Kelly, your talent, heart and craft that go into your stories make you the best storyteller I know! As I continue to work on how I deliver my message of health and wellness, your advice convinces me that the story is the way to get this message across and affect a change for our audiences. Like Colette, I feel very grateful for the chance to share this blogging site with such amazing speakers!!
Once upon a time, there was a little dishwater blonde girl with freckles, bow legs, and buck teeth who loved more than anything to play with her little girlfriends. She loved it SO much that when they were playing hide and seek, or paper dolls, or pretend dress up, she NEVER wanted to leave. She didn't want to go home, she wouldn't stop to eat, and she HATED having to leave to go pee. So sometimes, she would just "accidently" pee in her pants. Well, what else could she do if she really, really, REALLY didn't want to leave her friends even for a second?
As you can imagine, this didn't go over well with her mother. And her mother would appropriately "discipline" her (read: "Go get me a switch off that front bush right now, young lady!") But the little freckly-blonde girl didn't really mind. She would just think about the NEXT time should would get to go play with her friends.
Well, the little girl is all grown up now. And she doesn't pee in her pants anymore. Well, there is a small price to pay if she coughs to hard or laughs too loud. But the reality is that she still loves to play with her friends. Especially, Kelly, Polly, Colette, and Marilyn. And she HATES leaving them to go do other things. So she connects with them all the time on this fun little blog they have called, Motivational Speakers Review. They are always with her.
Ahhhhhh….
I just love you ladies to pieces. End of story.