Stories move people. Facts are the stuff that people look into to validate a story.   Yet most of us spend our time and efforts telling people the facts and expecting others to come up with their own stories. In other words, we expect people to ‘move themselves’ to action.

Hey, you’re busy.   Maybe you could be more productive if you did this or did that… but you’re too busy to know that.   Along comes Mr. Value-guy telling you all the facts about this, this…  thingy, that can supposedly help you be more productive, have more free-time, or whatever (did Mr. Value-guy even ask what it was you wanted to achieve?).   Yet, because you’re thinking about yesterday’s deadline and this afternoon’s appointment and tomorrow’s presentation, blah, blah… you’re now taking in more and more facts from ‘that guy’.   Or, are you?  No, you’re not likely taking it all in.  You’re letting most of these facts fall to the wayside and for the ones you absorb, it’s not likely you’re gonna take the time and effort to convert these facts into a story that moves you.  The only move you make is to the door.

Now, if Mr. Value-guy would’ve read up on Paul Sloane’s work, he would’ve known to tell a story about the value he can create for you (after he asked what value you were looking for, of course).  A story is easier to tell, and easier to process.   If it’s in alignment with the value you already know you want, you’re ready to move forward.   Well, almost. You’ll likely ask some questions to gather just the facts you need in order to know you’re making a quality decision.

Your business went on to great success because of Mr. Value-guy’s storytelling.   In fact, you learned to tell compelling stories as well, which increased both your sales and profitability.  You lived happily ever after.

Okay, well… that’s a bit of a corny story; but then I’m a bit of a corny guy.   If, despite my corny-ness-isms, you want to learn more about leveraging your influence with the power of storytelling, check out Paul Sloane’s article:

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/tell-stories.html

Here’s just a tidbit from Paul Sloane to whet your appetite:

Telling a story is a powerful way to get your message across.

How do you tell a story?  Here are some simple steps to follow:

• Introduce the characters.  Stories involve people so describe them.
• Set the scene.  This often involves some challenge or difficulty that has to be overcome.
• Explain what happened next and how the situation resolved itself.
• Draw out any conclusions or lessons learnt.

Go through your own life and think about some of your most vivid memories, some of the difficulties or problems you faced, some of the funny or emotional things that happened to you.  What were the lessons you learned?  We all have stories within us and sometimes we can enrich the lives of others if we tell a relevant story well.  You have to be prepared to bare yourself… (continued at LifeHack.org, link below)

Build your own store of interesting stories. Be prepared to tell them in social and business contexts.

Go here and read the whole article.

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/tell-stories.html

Then be sure to visit Mr. Sloane’s website.  It’s full of smart stuff like “lateral thinking” (does that have to do with Feng Shui?).

Here’s Paul Sloane’s site: http://destination-innovation.com/

The End.

“Have A Nice Dave.”  :)
–Dave C.

Photo Credits:    http://www.flickr.com/photos/rwp-roger/

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