Do you ever think your employees have a 'hearing problem'? Recently a leader complained to me, "I keep telling employees the vision but they keep saying they have no idea where we're heading! How do I make my message stick?".
One way to make your message stick is using stories. In the blink of an eye, a well-chosen story helps others relax and focus on what matters.
Whether you're giving a speech, making a presentation, or sharing your strategy with others, adding stories adds punch. Stories encourage the listener to open up and embrace new ideas. Great stories ignite hope and commitment.
To use stories effectively, follow these guidelines:
- Start with your message in mind
Ask yourself, "What is my point of view? What do I want others to remember?". After musing on this question, condense your point of view into one sentence: "What I want others to remember is...".
- Find a story that supports your viewpoint
Look to the events and experiences in your own life. Choose one or two events that stick out in your mind. These don't need to be dramatic events - simple stories from daily life are the best.
- Clarify the moral of your story
Consider, "How does this story support my point of view?". Make a link between the story and the point you want to make. If you can't find a story that supports your views, don't worry. Great stories are everywhere! Within 24 hours one will pop into your head. This isn't magic! It's your brain going to work for you.
- Add details to your story
Add details so your story is vivid and 'well told'. Fill in the facts about events, who was involved, and when they happened. Then tell the story to yourself and use a stopwatch. Tell it again and cut the story in half. Voila, you have the guts of what's important to say.
- Deliver your presentation
Don't rush. Just enjoy telling your story and sharing your point of view. Notice how your audience drops immediately into 5-year-old listening behaviour. Don't back away from this. Stories are mesmerising, that's their power.
- Invite listeners to reflect
This is the best part! Invite sharing about your message and where you touched a positive-nerve. Audience feedback helps you see where your presentation hit the nail on the head, and it helps others anchor what is important to remember.
Great leaders know the power of stories. Stories quadruple the 'sticking' power of your message. Add a few, well-chosen stories to your next presentation and watch your message come alive and stay alive!