Have you ever noticed how much easier is to remember someone’s point when they wrap a story around it? So why do so many leaders stick with dry PowerPoint presentations and yawner “motivational” pep talks when they could tell a story? How could you better use stories to galvanize your team toward stronger results? Do you know how to tell a great story?
This is the S.T.O.R.I.E.S. approach we share in our storytelling workshops. The next time you’re looking to use a story as part of your leadership communications, use this as a story framework as a guide.
How to Tell a Great Story
The STORIES Approach to Telling a Great Story
S- Setting
- Where were you?
- Who was there?
- Who’s telling the story?
T- Trouble
- What happened?
- How can you describe the tension in a memorable way?
O- Other
- Who is the sage that intervenes?
R- Response
- What did our hero do?
I- Interest
- What makes this interesting?
E- Evaluation
- What did they learn?
S- So what
- What does that mean for us?
This method works. I see HUGE improvement in the quality of participant’s stories after participating in a half day impactful communications workshop (we also work on simple delivery techniques). These workshops also have a significant teambuilding effect when teams go through this together– creating lasting bonds as teams reveal themselves in their stories.
A great story brings the audience in. Most importantly, it bubbles up a myriad of emotions that changes your energy and the way you think.
Steve, Ahh, yes. The emotional energy of stories is so vital.
Nice job Karin!
I love your presentation!
Lots of details, genuine, good/bad guy angle, overcoming the impossible…all great ingredients for a good story!
It makes them think of their own story…even been in this situation? Thanks so much for sharing…
LaRae, Thanks so much. That means so much coming from a masterstoryteller like you.
As you probably recall, I’ve praised your storytelling more than once and asked for advice on how to be better myself. So thank you for this blog. I clicked the link to read it in the newsletter without any hesitation.
What are your favorite books or videos that talk about being better storytelling? I know about your own storytelling publication here: https://www.td.org/Publications/TD-at-Work/2000/Storytelling
James, You inspired me to share this video. I have a FREE webinar coming up with ATD in September (will share more details as soon as I have them)/