Successful Storytelling In Seven Simple Steps

What stories have you heard that you've remembered for years and repeat to others? My guess is that there are probably many in your memory bank!

All throughout history people have told and retold stories. Stories are what we usually remember from a talk we've heard. There is no more meaningful and memorable way to express emotions than to tell a story to illustrate the point you want to convey. It doesn't matter if you are talking to one person or to an audience of thousands. The same applies to expressing a story in writing.

Stories speak to our heart and that connection allows our brain to retain the details. The more connections that are created in the brain when we hear something new, the more likely we will be able to access that information later that day or many years later.

So what makes a good story? Why are we irritated when some people tell stories and entranced by other storytellers?

Here are seven key ingredients that make stories easier to follow, more alive, and more captivating for the listener.

HOOK YOUR AUDIENCE WITH SOMETHING MEANINGFUL TO THEM

Before we listen, we have to relate. If what we are hearing reminds us of something about ourselves or others close to us at work or in our personal lives, we will be more interested. We are focusing and absorbing what is being said.

CREATE CHARACTERS

Memorable characters that we can visualize because of the descriptions we provide set the scene for the drama of the story.

HAVE A BEGINNING, MIDDLE AND END

Even with stories, we need some kind of order to follow what is being said. Organize your thoughts before telling a story so that the listener doesn't get lost along the trail of a lot of rambling thoughts..

BE DIRECT AND BRIEF

Keep your sentences clear and brief. Whether you are speaking or writing your story, you don't want long sentences with lots of twists and turns to get in the way of a clear narration of a story.

Paragraphs in written stories need to be short. They should be a collection of just a few sentences. And in oral storytelling, pause between thoughts to allow the audience to absorb what you've said.

FOCUS ON A SINGLE MESSAGE OR MORAL

Paragraphs in written stories need to be short. They should be a collection of just a few sentences. And in oral storytelling, pause between thoughts to allow the audience to absorb what you've said.

FOCUS ON A SINGLE MESSAGE OR MORAL

Be aware of the one concept that you really want your audience to know. What do you want them to take away from your story?

ILLUSTRATE AND EXPLAIN EVERYTHING

Be certain that you don't lose anyone listening to the story because of words or expressions that may not be familiar to someone with English as a second language. Also be aware of industry-specific jargon that some of your audience may not understand.

ENTERTAIN PEOPLE RATHER THAN LECTURE

Finally, realize that your audience wants to be entertained. That is why stories are remembered. Whether they are light hearted or very serious, stories about real people are what we relate to the most. Telling a story is a way that the speaker or writer can bring out thoughts and emotions that may be more difficult to relate in a more direct way.

So, pull out some stories that you may have in your repertoire, think about them with these tips in mind, and use them for a more effective presentation or writing project!

If you are interested in getting your message to people in a way that they will hear it and remember what you've said, perhaps you could benefit from working with a business coach.

Visit http://www.exuberantproductivity.com to find out more about coaching and access resources and research that may be helpful in resolving the sticky situations in your life. Suzanne Holman, MAEd is your Exuberant Productivity Coach and can be reached at suzanne@suzanneholman.com.

* 2007 Suzanne Holman, MAEd and Exuberant Productivity.Com