There are 2 secrets to quick and easy business storytelling: 1) keep a running story list and 2) think in terms of matching stories to key points.
1) Running story list: Create a list on paper or electronically that includes these 4 sub-headings:
- Life experiences from the past 15 years
- Life experiences from 15 years ago and longer
- Work/business experiences from the past 15 years (may include college)
- Work/business experiences from 15 years ago and longer
Under each sub-head write 2-3 words that trigger your memories. That's it. Don't write the stories or edit the list. Circle the trigger words for stories you often tell or that really stand out in your mind. This takes just minutes to do and you can add triggers to it as you think of them.
2) Construct your speech first, from call-to-action (closing), back to 2-3 key points that drive to the call-to-action, back to the attention-getting opening. Looking at your key points, pick one of the 7 story types that illuminate the key point. Then look at your circled triggers and pick the one that best matches your key point.
Stories must include 3 elements: crisis, obstacles, and resolution (what you did to overcome the obstacles and the results). You can write these as short as one or two sentences apiece. What's critical is that you use your own stories, write them in the active (current) voice, and use great and evocative language.
What's your most memorable story? How have you used it in a speech? Share your thoughts on our comment link.
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