Business Storytelling: Using Your Story Lists

Never deviate from the number one rule for business stories--use your own stories! You must not repeat other people's stories, repeat stories you've seen floating around the internet, or make up stories. Your own real stories have inherent credibility in them and they are always unique because you and your experiences are one-of-a-kind.

You've got your 4 lists of story triggers. Now what?

Start the process of crafting your stories by answering these 3 questions:

1. What call-to-action do I often conclude my speeches with?
2. What 2 or 3 key points drive my presentation to the call-to-action?
3. Which of the 7 story types best makes my key point or points?

Examples:

For a key point about: overcoming obstacles ahead, use a springboard story or a story about collaboration.

For a key point about: what they can expect from you in your new leadership role, tell a story about who you are an an individual.

(For more examples of matching key points to story types see the continuation of this post.)

Now look at your 4 lists and pick 2 or 3 story triggers that pop out at you as being good matches to the types of stories you need for your key points.

Check back for the next post (or subscribe to this blog in the upper right corner) for your next steps to using stories in your business presentations.

Placing stories continued:

For a key point about: what lies ahead, use a story about the company's brand and/or values; a story about collaboration; a future story.

For a key point about: the benefits of your product or service, tell a springboard story or a story that transmits your company brand.

For a key point about: where you're at and what problems need to be addressed, use a story that transmits the company's values; that transmits the company's brand; and/or a story about collaboration

For a key point about: how your company compares to the competition, use a story that communicates the company brand; transmits your company's values; is a future story.

For a key point about: change, use a future story; a story that transmits the company brand; a story that tells the audience who you are an an individual.