Corporate Storytelling 101: How to Pick a Story That Moves Listeners
Business publications these days sing the praises of corporate storytelling. But what if you're not a natural storyteller? How do you pick a tale that inspires and connects - and still suits a business setting? Here are nine tips to get you started:
1. Brief is better. Choose a story that can be boiled down to 3-5 minutes. Longer tales can get too complex. A good story should be like a skirt: long enough to cover the subject, but short enough to keep things interesting.
2. What is the Why? Why are you telling this particular story? Make sure it reinforces the value you want to reinforce in a positive way. Know the key point of your story. This will help you choose what to leave in and what to leave out.
3. This time it's personal. Find a story from your own life if possible - especially for a "why I'm here" tale (one that explains your purpose for speaking to your listeners). This gives you authority and authenticity.
4. Who's your hero? Listeners need a clear protagonist to identify with. If you have too many heroes, the audience and the tale lose focus. Telling it from a single hero's point of view keeps things simple and powerful.
5. What's the beef? Every story needs a clear problem and solution. Make sure this problem has relevance to your listeners, and remember to include the solution. Listeners need closure.
6. Make About the Author:
Bruce Hale is an author, Fulbright Scholar in Storytelling, and a popular speaker to business and educational audiences. As an actor and storyteller, he has performed on stage, TV, and in an independent movie. Bruce has published over 20 books and spoken to audiences across North America. Find out more about him at:
http://www.brucetalks.com .
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