The power of sharing your personal story comes from what it reveals about you and who you are, without you having to explicitly tell people. Sharing your true personality and spirit is what bonds people to you…and whatever you’re trying to build personally or professionally. When I tell people I once danced with Prince after a concert at a party at Paisley Park (his studio) I don’t have to tell them that I believe life is all about taking bold and daring chances.
To attract and foster new connection—you have to tell your story, and tell it well.
So what makes compelling storytelling?
Conflict. Conflict creates tension. Every good story has a protagonist (main character) facing a challenge, opposing force, or enemy. For example, my own story of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in September will put me—and my determination—up against a mountain.
Authenticity. Real and personal accounts of life-changing experiences, successes, failures, and epic moments build credibility, instant connection and resonance. The more personal the story, the more universal it usually is and the easier it is for the audience to locate themselves in the story. A great lasting story is about everyone. Think of your favourite movies and why you love them.
The Audience. People are thirsty for great stories…and something that can help them make sense of the world and their own lives. As actor Julianne Moore said: “People don’t come to see you, they come to see themselves.” Understanding your audience’s needs, wants, and struggles will help you know which stories to tell in order to reach that particular group. Skillful storytellers can weave information they want the audience to know, appearing more human and not pretentious.
Physicality. Putting physical expression to our words and stories makes us more believable—and watchable. When we speak to each other, we believe 50 percent of what the other person is saying; but we believe 100 percent of what their body is saying. The body doesn’t lie. Purposeful movement while we speak also makes it difficult for people to look away. That’s why great performers have movement coaches. Bo Eason, one of the world’s best speakers, works with Jean-Louis Rodrigue, who trains actors, performers, and FBI agents to move with intention and confidence.
Unexpectedness. The best stories have some degree of surprise or intrigue. What happened at the beginning is different by the end because something changed, was solved…or wasn’t solved. It’s not always “happily ever after,” in life or in the movies, but there’s always something to take away from it. Share stories that create the end result you’re looking for.
Powerful personal stories are all around us. In building connection with our clients, audiences, friends or family—life is our content.
Want help capturing the story (or stories) best suited for your audience and purpose?
Contact me here.