Storytelling isn’t just entertainment. It’s a way to connect and influence that, perhaps, you never considered before.
That said, most of us come to anything involving public speaking with dread.
Can’t you be sick that day?
With that headspace in mind, let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at what happens in my storytelling workshop. Think of it as a short course where you learn a new skill in less than a day.
1. Grab a coffee and chill.
Pick a seat and get comfy. And then we’ll talk about why storytelling works. The hard science. You’ll learn why it’s such a valuable tool at work and why you’d want to use storytelling yourself. I talk. You don’t have to do anything except nod. (And there’s usually muffins.)
2. Break the ice.
We’ll do a check-in and get more familiar with everyone in the room. And by the end of the day, you’re going to feel more connected to everyone else in the room whether you want to or not.
Feeling a bit anxious and distracted? Normal. You’re not the only one.
3. Let’s talk about our favorite stories.
This is where it starts to get interesting. We talk about what’s memorable about your faves. And we talk about how these stories are told - you know, what makes a story interesting and easy to listen to.
Hint: Going off on tangents is always a bore. Did you adopt your dog on a Tuesday…or was it the Thursday before your bunion surgery? Nobody cares.
4. Stories are kinda predictable.
Meaning, every great story has structure. Like a beginning, a middle, and an end. So we talk about setting the scene, introducing a challenge, and delivering a resolution. And of course you’ll learn how to create a memorable takeaway.
5. Practice with a buddy.
You’ll pair up and practice for a few rounds.
I’ll make sure you know how to tell a story without sounding like a drone or a ShamWow salesperson. Storytelling isn’t just about what you say but how you say it. We’ll pay attention to your tone and your body language.
6. You get to listen too!
You’ll get the chance to hear other stories. You’ll learn to listen for common themes and values so you can help each other drive your messages home.
For example, some themes that come up often are things like: “You can do hard things,” “What looks like failure may be a blessing in disguise.,” and “If at first you don’t succeed, skydiving isn’t for you.”
7. You get permission to be honest. And vulnerable (if you want).
Impactful storytelling lies in authenticity.
Really? You got fired after your first week on the job? Tell me more!
Your life was orchestrated by Mary Poppins and everything went as planned? Ick. (eye roll)
I’ll show you how to uncover personal and professional moments that exemplify what a bad ass you are. I know we can find examples from your life that show courage, resilience, or creativity.
Be honest. Show you’re not perfect. It’s a key element of connecting with others.
8. Connect your story to something important going on at work now.
You can use your story to amplify one of your organizational goals. Stories work whether you need to motivate a team, get stakeholders excited, regroup after a failure, or implement changes. And you have the perfect story to demonstrate that. I guarantee it.
And see. You didn’t die.
This short course based in storytelling isn’t about creating the perfect narrative. Not even close.
It’s about you taking the chance to connect, inspire, and lead through your real-life experiences. You’re the boss AND human? Who knew. You’re a new manager and you screwed up once? Oh thank God. I’m telling ya, nothing gets people more on your side than showing your warts.
Reach out! I promise I don’t bite.
Ready to switch things up a bit? Ready to try a new comm tool? Please reach out. I promise the workshop is super enjoyable and I’m super easy to work with.
You can do it!
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