How to Tell Impactful Stories – blog

How to Tell Impactful Stories

Speaking of impactful stories – Have you watched the #1 most-watched TEDTalk?
 
Over 20 million people have viewed this “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” TEDTalk by Sir Ken Robinson:

 
Many experts have dissected this 18-minute TEDTalk to better understand what makes it so compelling.  There’s Sir Robinson’s use of humour, his lack of slides, and of course, the many STORIES he tells.
 
It’s the STORYTELLING that elevates this TEDTalk.  And it’s STORYTELLING that can elevate all our communication.
 

Unsplash @ Toa Heftiba
Are you an effective STORYTELLER?

 
This week’s Talk About Talk podcast goes deep into storytelling.  In this episode, you’ll hear:

• why stories are so impactful;
• the essential elements of great stories;
• plus a few of Andrea’s stories!

3 Ways Stories are IMPACTFUL

1️⃣ Stories evoke EMOTIONS

• Stories engage us with feelings of angst, pleasure, surprise, inspiration,…

2️⃣ Stories are MEMORABLE

• We forget the facts & figures, but we’ll remember how you made us feel!

3️⃣ Stories CONNECT us

• Stories connect us through shared experience

5 Essential ELEMENTS of Great Stories

 
Here’s your checklist: the 5 elements to include in your stories:
 

image unsplash @ sunny state

 
✅ TENSION

• Include conflict in the story, something to overcome.  We need suspense!

✅ A character the audience CARES about

• Whether the story is about you or someone else, the audience needs to care!

✅ A TWIST

• Predictable stories are boring. Include something unexpected.

✅ Important DETAILS

• Include enough details to make it real. But not too much… Let the audience to fill in the gaps!

✅ RELEVANCE

• A random story will confuse the audience. Integrate your story into your message

The STORYTELLING Episode

I hope you enjoy this week’s podcast episode! 

🌐 Click HERE to listen directly on the Talk About Talk website

or

🎧 Click HERE to listen on your favourite podcast player

or 

📄 Click HERE to read the printable shownotes

Please forward this email to anyone who might appreciate insights on STORYTELLING and COMMUNICATION SKILLS. 

Thank you!