We all have a past and with that we all have a story. When telling our narrative to others, some highlight achievements, while others tend to focus on inconsequential or even possibly negative things. These stories help explain who we are and how we came to certain conclusions about the issues. As we continue on our professional journey, we must decide how we want our story to progress.
Whether we’re explaining our past to a potential employer, a person at a networking event, or some other “outsider,” we need to craft our story in a way that makes it both compelling and truthful. A master storyteller I know always starts with the ending and works backwards. He usually has a grand opening prize that captures everyone’s attention. From there he brings in interesting details (both good and bad) while also showing that he knows when to speed things up and also when to pause so we can catch everything he’s giving us.
Also, having what I call “go to” words or phrases not only helps us frame our story, but it gives us confidence to share even when the story has some sad or depressing parts. The key is that whatever your story is, you need at some point to express what you have learned from the different situations you faced. By doing this, you’re not just telling a story. Instead, you’re relaying your conclusions and how your history has shaped your decisions going forward.
Storytelling is important for anyone who wants to stand out from the rest, no matter the team, group, company, etc. of which you are a part. As an example, few people can remember the concepts they learned in college or training course word for word, but if the instructor attaches a story to it, it now becomes memorable. Think of all the speeches or presentations you have heard and from which you can still remember a sentence or phrase. This is the kind of story you need.
Lastly, good storytellers always make their body language reflect what they are saying. If they’re telling an upbeat story but it looks like they’re going to cry, it sends a mixed message. Mastering this takes some work, so brainstorm your thoughts and ideas, make your story more succinct, practice it, and then share it with others.