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Storytelling is an important skill set that can increase your workplace influence. You can use this skill to properly tell stories to build stronger relationships with coworkers, clients, and contacts and make an impact.
According to experts, developing a solid storytelling strategy creates meaningful personal benefits. When you share a story, you’re strengthening your identity while promoting personal growth.
Here are the best storytelling practices to increase your influence in the workplace:
1. Have A Focal Point
A great storyteller always has a focal point to lead listeners or readers to the main idea. When organizing a story, it’s imperative to have a clear central message.
Regardless of what message you’re telling, it’s crucial to be open and straightforward. The central theme of the story should always be understandable.
It’s vital to talk like you talk. Don’t be afraid to portray your personality. If you sound a little too rehearsed or corporate, your audience won’t connect with you. The key of a good storyteller is to reveal their feelings and emotions.
We are always communicating our ideas and asking for buy-in from the people around us so here are some tips to help amplify the way you pitch your ideas at work.
2. Use Visuals To Supplement Your Story
Allow visuals to do your talking for you.
One of the most effective tips to enhance your stories is by adding high-impact, original images. Hearing someone talking too much is boring and talking a lot about yourself is even duller.
3. Focus More On The Human Aspect Than The Business One
The primary goal of telling a story at work is to connect with other people at a professional level.
It’s essential to understand that you’re telling a story, not sharing a business report. It’s important to focus more on the human aspect of your story to empathize more deeply with your audience.
The story should portray what the person did, said, saw, heard, felt, experienced, believed, and thought. An excellent storyteller tells more about the people involved and less about business.
4. Your Story Should Have A Conflict and A Plot
Movie lovers understand that a good story always has a conflict and a plot. Without these two essential features, it’s impossible to make a good presentation.
A good story should keep the audience in suspense, asking themselves, “What happens next?”
Fortunately, there are some strategies to increase the level of anticipation of your story. For instance, you can start chronologically telling the story and develop to a compelling conclusion.
Another option is to start the narration in the middle of conflict and then explain how it happens. Or you can share a predictable anecdote and then amaze the listeners by taking a different twist from what was anticipated.
Good storytellers have one thing in common: they are all authentic. A good story is the quickest way to engage with another person.
Make sure to be open, respectful, and non-judgmental and hold a psychologically safe space when other people share their stories.
If you want to understand more about how we can help you own your awesomeness or influence across functions and geographies, reach out. We’d love to add value any way we can.
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