Ever wondered why some messages resonate deeply with stakeholders while others fall flat, why some projects get a quick green light while others face immediate rejection, and why some individuals effortlessly gain support while others encounter project resistance? Let’s dive into the realm of effective communication, where the real magic happens through storytelling that resonates, connects, and ultimately secure stakeholder buy-in.
Stories Go Beyond Mere Words
People are moved when they feel inspired, and for that to happen, your message should resonate emotionally. As we got older, we kind of lost sight of how powerful stories can be. Just throwing facts, numbers, and stats at people often don’t inspire the emotions needed to get them moving. Especially in the workplace, being able to inspire or persuade your colleagues, leaders, or end-users becomes a big deal. Getting them to buy-in ensures the success of your endeavor. A neat trick? Get them excited about why you’re doing it – tell stories.
Once you manage to connect with people on an emotional level, it becomes easier to inspire them. Consider this: Think about the story of Little Red Riding Hood, which teaches us the importance of following rules. Or Pinocchio, teaching us against lying. And then, there’s the tale of the Ugly Duckling, teaching us that it’s okay to be different. These stories were crafted to impart lessons. Imagine being a young kid and being told not to lie – would you really follow that advice? The story of Pinocchio shows us that lying has consequences. Stories like these are powerful. They’re able to teach valuable lessons in a way simply saying it won’t do the trick.
Why Storytell?
Stories simplify complex ideas, making them accessible. They provide a shared experience that fosters understanding and empathy. In the context of effective communication, they become a universal language that transcends barriers of complexity, creating a common ground for information exchange. To better understand why tell stories, we will both prepare a communication message and tell a story:
Communication Message:
Hey there! Just a friendly reminder: consuming excessive amounts of sugar can contribute to the risk of developing diabetes. It’s always a good idea to maintain a balanced and healthy diet to take care of our well-being. If you have any questions or need more info, feel free to ask!
Story:
Meet Jane, a talented developer with a deep love for coffee. Her desk was always adorned with a mug, and the aroma of freshly brewed 3-in-1 coffee lingered around her workspace. Jane simply couldn’t resist having coffee to kick start her day, during work, and between meals, reaching a daily intake of 8-10 cups. Even though colleagues and health-conscious friends advised her to stick to black coffee, she simply continued indulging her sweet tooth habit.
Over the years, people kept telling Jane to ease up on 3-1 coffee, but her love for that brew won every time. Unfortunately, the consequences unfolded slowly. Jane was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, a condition that altered the trajectory of her life. The relentless consumption of sugary coffee had taken its toll.
When her condition worsened, she developed kidney and vision problems. The damage to her kidneys and eyes forced Jane to step away from her career. The visual impairment robbed her of the ability to perform tasks crucial to her work. Coffee’s good, but don’t overdo it like Jane. Your body will be happier that way.
Both the communication message and story tell us one thing – that sometimes the smallest habits, even seemingly harmless ones like enjoying a cup of coffee, can have significant consequences. It’s a tale of caution, urging us to drink in moderation. However, between the two, the storytelling communicates a vivid description of the consequences of our actions. To discuss why this story works, we explain how:
It’s simple. Consume a lot of sugar and it can cause diabetes.
It’s concrete. Story describes a person who has habits similar to others, from coffee mugs on the desk to the consumption of 3-in-1 coffee. There’s also friendly warnings from colleagues and friends.
It’s emotional. We care more about the individual, Jane. We don’t care about the message. It taps on our human nature to be kind and caring.
Unveiling the Art of Storytelling
Now that you know how important storytelling is, let us understand what a story is. At its core, a story is an account of events, usually involving character and a plot. And when people hear it, they tend to simulate it. People put themselves in the shoes of the character and the plot they encounter.
To dive deeper into storytelling, when people listen to stories, they imagine the origins of the problem, recount the incidents that unfolded, picture the actions taken, envision the environment, and then visualize the actions taken. Ultimately, they imagine what life looks like after the intervention.
This is how stories work—they transform information into a framework that feels more alive, more in tune to reality. It’s similar to playing a game. The audience doesn’t just sit back. They become the player.
How to Tell Great Stories: Key Elements
Every day, we find ourselves telling stories, sometimes without even realizing it. Whether we’re chatting about the latest news or discussing trends, we’re essentially weaving narratives. The beauty of storytelling is that it’s a skill anyone can harness. It’s not reserved for a select few; it’s a tool we all have in our communication toolkit. Let’s simplify the process by breaking it down with a straightforward framework.
Very Good Hook.
We start with one of if not equally as the significance of a good hook. It often goes unnoticed, yet it holds the power to capture the audience’s attention from the very beginning. Consider spending hours crafting a story only for the audience to skip it due to a boring start. We’ve all likely experienced this frustration while watching TV shows—quickly changing channels because of boredom. Hooks act as attention-grabbers, whether they’re intriguing quotes or compelling questions. Here are possible example hooks for the story above:
Question Hook: Ever find yourself savoring the delightful aroma and sweet caramely goodness of a 3-in-1 coffee to kickstart your morning? Well, if you do, you’re about to meet someone who shares your passion – meet Jane.
Statistical Hook: Siping each 3-in-1 coffee pack is equivalent to 3 tablespoons of sugar. Whereas 8 cups a day is downing a whole cup of sugar daily. Let that sink in.
These hooks grab your audience’s attention right away, making them want to keep reading the story. It’s essential to invest as much time in writing engaging hooks as in developing the entire story, ensuring that the audience remains hooked right from the start.
Character.
When it comes to storytelling, the journey kicks off with the introduction of a character. This character serves as the focal point, someone the audience can connect with on a personal level. These characters come complete with their own set of problems, dreams, and likes. To truly bring the story to life, we even give our character a name, providing a visual element that adds depth to the narrative.
Knowing Your Audience.
Understanding your audience is a crucial aspect of effective storytelling. Dive into what gets them excited, what concerns them, and what truly matters to them. Equally important is being mindful of the references you include—ensure they resonate with your audience. Additionally, pay attention to the language you use; make sure it’s clear and not overly complex. This thoughtful approach allows you to tailor your story, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the preferences and understanding of your audience.
Clear and Easy to Understand Message.
When crafting a story, every word, phrase, and sentence should revolve around the core message. Avoid introducing straying thoughts that might cause confusion among your audience. The effectiveness of a story is not determined by its length but by its ability to convey the intended message. In fact, less words often holds more power. Being short and concise ensures that your narrative is impactful and easily comprehensible, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.
The Plot.
To craft an engaging story, it’s crucial to establish a plot. Narratives, passed down through generations, often feature some common plot structures, including the following:
The Challenge Plot: Utilize this plot when you aim to commence your story with the main character conquering a significant challenge and attaining success. This approach proves highly effective, especially at the start of projects, injecting a feeling of triumph and motivation.
The Connection Plot: This plot revolves around a relatable protagonist who bridges gaps, be it racial, class-related, ethnic, religious, demographic, or any other. It serves as a powerful tool for fostering inclusivity and understanding.
The Creativity Plot: When there’s a need to approach things differently, this plot comes into play. It’s ideal for situations requiring innovation and a fresh perspective. Mastering these plot points ensures your narrative captivates and resonates, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.
Add Storytelling to Your Communication Toolkit
Embracing the principles of storytelling becomes a powerful tool, enabling you to inspire people to invest in your ideas. Once you secure their buy-in, the effective communication of your concepts and the successful execution of projects become attainable goals. Storytelling, in this context, serves as a conduit for connecting, engaging, and ultimately realizing the successful implementation of your visions.
