Be a Storyteller!

Many of us identify as “storyteller.” I love that. But a reminder to all of us – storytelling doesn’t require skill. We just need to tell our stories!
 
Here’s what I mean: It’s tempting to think that storytelling requires dramatic flair. But it doesn’t. In fact, storytelling doesn’t even require a great story!
 
The most powerful aspect of storytelling is the personal story. People love first-person stories! They’re engaging, relatable and memorable.
 
So don’t overthink it. Shed the self-imposed pressure. You don’t need thrilling content or charisma. Just tell your stories…to your kids, co-workers, and clients. Talk about first jobs, first days, embarrassing moments, lessons learned, successes and failures.
 
Share the real you, and you’ll build connection and trust.
 
But I also think it can be intimidating to everyone else…this myth that telling stories requires specific skills…skills that you may think you lack.
 
You don’t need to dabble in improvisation to tell stories.
You don’t need acting experience to tell stories.
You don’t need ANY specific skill to tell stories.
 
You just need a story.
 
And the story needn’t be dramatic, spectacular, hilarious or dangerous.
 
Here’s what too many of us get wrong: The power of personal stories lies not in the “story” but in the “personal.” Forget the performative aspect of story-telling. It’s not about being funny or dramatic. And it’s not about having a spectacularly amazing story to tell.
 
My keynotes are full of personal stories, and not because I’ve led an unusual life.
 
I tell stories because there’s no better way to connect with an audience. Even better, nothing is more memorable than a story. So start telling your stories!