We live in a world full of data and metrics. But what do people actually remember? A story that touches our hearts and minds. In April of this year, I was invited to hold a mini storytelling workshop for 30 MBA students at the USC Marshall School of Business. What transpired in those 90 minutes was nothing short of transformative, reinforcing my belief in the untapped potential of every leadership story.
The Power of Your Story: A Simple Question
I start with a question for the group.
✋ "Raise your hand if you understand the power of your story."
I scan the room, and what do I see? Not a single hand in the air. Many faces show confusion, some probably wondering why on earth I'm even asking this question.
And my response? It’s not what you’d expect. I am thrilled to hear that nobody raises a hand. Why? Because I know what is about to unfold. I remember being in their shoes 10 years ago.
An Immersive Storytelling Journey
In my mind, I'm thinking how these brilliant minds have no idea about their stories’ potential impact on their lives and those around them. It’s like they’re sitting on a goldmine without realizing it. But that’s about to change.
Over the next 90 minutes, we dive deep into the world of storytelling. I open their minds to:
The hidden impact of storytelling: The science of storytelling and its psychological effect; how it creates connections, builds trust, and influences decision-making.
The ways to apply storytelling in the workplace: From leadership to marketing, intimate to large scale gatherings, there is a time and place for telling stories to drive organizational success, inspire teams, and transform business relationships.
Essential skills for transformational storytelling: An overview of key skills to deliver stories, including deep breathing, relaxation, vocal variety, silence, situational awareness, emotion, and body language.
Next comes the interactive exercises. We roll up our sleeves and practice these skills through a series of interactive exercises. Every person in the room is engaged and enjoying the experience. Let me tell you, the transformation is nothing short of magical. There’s something amazing about watching people showcase emotion as they tell their story
The Big Reveal
In the blink of an eye, 90 minutes is over. I walk back to the front of the room and ask my original question:
✋ "Raise your hand if you understand the power of your story."
I scan the room, and you'll never guess what I see.
EVERY. SINGLE. HAND. IS. RAISED.
Incredible!
The energy in the room is electric. Eyes are bright with understanding. Smiles are wide with confidence. It’s as if I am a room filled with an entirely different group of people.
You must think this is unbelievable, right? Well, I’m not surprised to see this type of transformation. I have witnessed the same results in these workshops for 5+ years. Once you understand how to use the right tools when telling your story, a door opens to a world of possibilities.
The Bigger Picture of Storytelling
The realization that leadership storytelling is a crucial skill in business often comes too late for most professionals. There are 8 billion people on this planet and the majority have no idea how to tell their story.
The more I reflect on my experiences since learning about storytelling, the more I realize something mind-blowing. Professionals invest in this skill too late in life. Don’t get me wrong, I love working with professionals and university students. But imagine how valuable this skill could be to children as they learn how to read, write, and speak. It would help them have:
more confidence when sharing their ideas
better understanding of their own experiences and values
enhanced ability to connect with others
a powerful tool for future leadership
This is a big part of my long-term mission. To bring the power of leadership storytelling to students and children who are early in their life journey. For now, workshops like this one at USC serve as significant milestones, introducing future business leaders to the power of their stories.
Stay tuned, because the next chapter of this story should be an exciting one.
Your Story Matters
So, why does all this matter to you?
Because YOU have a story. A powerful, unique, inspiring story. And understanding how to channel your authentic leadership voice through storytelling can transform your life and career in ways you could ever imagine.
Here’s a set of quick tips to help unlock your story:
Reflect on your experiences: Take time to identify pivotal moments in your life. What challenges have you overcome? What lessons have you learned?
Practice delivering your story: Start small by sharing anecdotes with friends or family. Pay attention to what message resonates with each audience.
Listen to others’ stories: Develop an ear for compelling stories is a great way to refine your own storytelling skills.
Seek feedback: Don’t be afraid to ask for critiques on your storytelling. Remember, it’s a lifelong journey that never ends.
Apply your stories: Always be looking for opportunities to incorporate your stories into business settings, whether in presentations, interviews, or 1:1 meetings.
Your story is waiting to be told. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring, start sharing, and watch your life transform.
Visit my site if you are interested in learning more about these immersive storytelling workshops.
Please get in touch if you would like to talk about how storytelling could accelerate your professional career growth.
David Ghodsizadeh is the founder and storytelling coach at Storytelling 4 Success.
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