Our brain lights up when we hear a good story. And, intriguingly, neuroscientists at Princeton University in the US have discovered that the same areas of the brain light up at the same time in both the listener and the storyteller. Therefore through storytelling, one can create a bond between people — even, it seems, when the listener is stuck inside a scanner. It’s a clear sign that storytelling is an important social glue.
Before scanners came into the picture, good storytellers already knew that a great story could trigger emotions in others and move people to tears. While you might not want the tears in a business context, a captivating story can bring other benefits. It can sell ideas, products and services. It can help you get a job or inspire others to act. Stories are persuasive tools. In these seven tips, we look at storytelling techniques and the language you can use in your own.
1. Opening for your audience
Here’s a spoiler: focus on the ending of your story before you get started. First, imagine how you want your audience to feel once your story is over. Then draft your story with that goal in mind. This will be much easier if you know your audience. Who are they? What do they know already? What do they need to know? How do you want them to react? You’ll get the best reaction if you have their full attention while you’re telling your story. So, make sure you put them into listening mode from the beginning. Where possible, use their names to grab their attention. Now, can you open in a way that creates a sense of intrigue?
2. Organizing the elements
Consider this three-question structure for your narrative framework: “What?”, “So what?”, “Now what?”. This should help you create a strong beginning, an interesting middle and an informative end. Don’t forget to include the key elements of a good story: a plot, a conflict or struggle, a turning point and an outcome. Structure your narrative, and then guide your audience through the story.
3. Setting the scene
Bear in mind that your audience could be thinking, “Why should I care?”. Give them context so they do. Before you get too deep into the story, make it easier for people to understand your motives. Try to set the scene with interesting details. Remarkably, starting a sentence with a strong adverb can make people pay more attention to what follows.
4. Timing it well
While it’s important to be descriptive, cut out any unnecessary background information. Consider asking a good editor for help. If you feel your audience getting restless while you’re telling your story, let them know you’re about to wind up the story. That prospect might draw them back in.
5. Making it relatable
All stories need a strong central character — a hero. In the business world, it doesn’t need to be a person. It could be your brand or a product. Explain who or what is involved in a way that interests the listener to make your story relatable. You want your audience to feel empathy with your heroes. If your hero is a person, explain how they are feeling and why. This helps your audience feel a connection — and helps them put themselves in the hero’s shoes. So does interacting with your audience as you tell them your story.
6. Introducing conflict
Introduce events, decisions or conflicts that highlight your values or those of your company. Just make sure that the struggle is about something that your audience recognizes and is interested in. Build and then release tension. A story with tension will capture people’s attention.
7. Getting to the numbers
Focus on the significance of your data, and not just on the numbers. Creating stories around data helps people accept and remember them more easily. The key is not to overload your story with statistics. Concentrate on the ones that matter — and provide the rest in a document, if appropriate. In business, you can’t ignore the data, but you really shouldn’t neglect the story.