“Mommy, tell me a story and put me in it.”
Anyone who has cared for a child knows how a story captures a child’s imagination, and engages her or his attention. Children listen to stories, remember them, and want them repeated over and over. Storytelling is one of the oldest—if not the oldest—form of cultural communication we have. It is a poetic way in which we hand down to posterity our values, ideals, and traditions.
Putting us into the story makes a story meaningful by incorporating or reflecting our experience and aspirations. We do this literally with children by making them the heroes or heroines, the character that makes the journey, solves the riddle or defeats the evil sorcerer. Under the storyline is a message about good defeating evil, about the small overcoming the big, and courage triumphing over fear. Such a story helps us learn just who we are.
Stories keep traditions alive.
Americans have an American story. We start by telling the story of the Pilgrims and that first Thanksgiving. Each year, we put ourselves into the story by preparing a traditional dinner with turkeys, corn cooked into bread or stuffing or pudding, and pumpkin pies. We give thanks as the Pilgrims did for our blessings.
In our religious traditions, we re-tell the Christmas story in candlelit services and children dressing up as Mary and Joseph. We re-tell the Hanukah story by lighting the candles and saying the prayers. Clement Moore has given us the secular story of St. Nick who brings presents to children each year. Uncle Harry might even agree to jump into the middle of the story by donning a red suit and white beard, shouting out a few “ho-ho-ho’s” and passing out gifts. To receive a gift is to become a part of the story.
Why are stories so important?
Stories construct an architecture for meaning that places speaker and listener into a single narrative, a shared context of meaning. Good leaders know that stories have power.
The ancient art of story telling can be the vehicle to tap into our collective values and helps us to see beyond the present. We intuitively respond to that phenomena as children, and we are just as captivated by a well-told, relevant story in adulthood.
Stories in business can make a personal connection.
In a business setting, one of the best ways to establish rapport and connection is to open a presentation or a meeting with an engaging or humorous story. The right story illustrates salient points in a way that holds attention. It provides the context from which a speaker can draw the main points or issues we want—or need—to communicate. In addition, it can be a useful tool to enhance and enrich corporate culture by drawing out inspirational or motivational examples that provide a sense of purpose and unity.
When facts and figures are an essential part of a presentation, an audience will remember the data so much easier if it is framed by a story demonstrating how the data is relevant and meaningful to them, personally and/or in their work. People easily forget facts and figures. They remember stories.
If you are giving a presentation to a group of any size, consider how you might use story to be memorable and impactful. Be sure to carefully select a story with intention. Select one that is fresh, original, and on target to make your point. Or, when appropriate, retell an old story with new insights and possibly new characters that deepens a sense of connection and inspiration.
Oh, and don’t forget to put your audience into the story you are telling.
Leave a Reply