How to Use Storytelling to Influence Others

Learning how to tell stories is a critical business skill that not many people talk about. It’s how extraordinary leaders motivate others. It’s how exceptional salespeople sell more. It’s how companies get people to buy their products. It’s how startup founders get venture and angel investors.

Adept storytellers captivate strangers using compelling stories that are vulnerable and tell the other person important information about them. Everyone has a story to tell and a history. Use it to your advantage and influence others positively, while you are at it!

People want to know the “real” you. They want to know the story behind what you are doing. Don’t hide or try to put on a front. It’s your chance to show a little vulnerability.

And all courage is linked with vulnerability. That’s very attractive to people (i.e. like bees to honey!)

Your story reveals your truth and who you are. Developing an emotional narrative will help build rapport and develop the foundation for deep, meaningful professional relationships.

Stories can also illustrate your unique approach to business and can help establish your authority.

I want to walk you through a two-part process how to come up with your stories and how to use them.

1) Use the below framework to think about what stories in your life you should use and also that authentically communicates who you are.

Why is this story important to me to share with others? Will it liberate, educate, and/or entertain?
Why will other people care to hear about it? Could they be going through it or someone they know?
Do they need to know they’re not alone?
Will they understand me and what I’m trying to say better?
Could this story be helpful to others? Apply it in their lives? Use it for inspiration or in a challenging situation?

If you get stuck ask yourself questions like: “What am I most excited about in my life right now?” “What projects am I working about that I am passionate about?” “What has been the biggest obstacle in my life and how did I get past it?”

2) Use this process when you are engaged in a conversation

Would this story BENEFIT this person in some way – get them to laugh, smile, think, etc.? If yes, share it! No? Don’t tell this story and try something else. If you are unsure, tell it and you’ll find out.
What topics have this person already spoken about or shown interest in? Is that a part of my story? If yes, tell it! No? Change your story so you don’t bore the other person to death.
After I share my story is the person engaged? How’s their body language…closed or open? Are they actively listening? Are they present or looking around the room? If yes, continue the conversation. If no, just politely excuse yourself and speak to someone else.

Your to-dos:

Use this framework to come up with your stories and use them.

Extra tip when you first meet someone: I also use a five-minute rule (and you can extend it to 10 minutes if the conversation is going really well). Talk to someone for no more than five minutes, exchange contact information and move on. Too many people limit their opportunities because they don’t meet enough people. It’s a numbers game until you get to know someone well enough to make a significant investment.

Contact me and let me know what your story is!
Want help developing your story, building relationships and becoming an extraordinary leader? Schedule a 20-minute “Scale Your Career Call” here ►►►http://goo.gl/MvoH9d 

My Guarantee for the Call:

1) We’re going to have a good look at your current situation —what’s working and what’s not.

2) We’ll have a look at where you want to go and find out what’s possible.

3) We’ll identify the patterns and blindspots holding you back

4) We’ll map out a quick three-step action plan to get you started moving in the right direction.

5) You’re going to leave clear, confident and excited that you can get to the next level.

The post How to Use Storytelling to Influence Others appeared first on Jason Treu Executive Coaching.