Powerful Persuasion Begins with a Good Story

Are you a good storyteller?

Have you tried to get your child to go to bed on time?

What about enticing a certain someone to date you?

Or…telling senior management that you deserve a raise and a promotion?

How much of your communication involves persuading and influencing others? Think about it. The most efficient and effective way to persuade someone is through storytelling. 

Why? Because an excellent storyteller will quickly win over the heart and mind of the listener and influence that listener to see things from their perspective.

How?  Although humans have unique experiences, they do NOT experience unique emotions.  We all experience the same emotions: sadness, joy, betrayal, surprise, disappointment etc.  This universal emotion combined with an engaging delivery of the story in real time (present tense), synchronizes the teller and listener’s brains together in an identical brainwave pattern. 

In fact, science has proven it.

Stop now and recall a story that influenced you.  The reason you were able to think of that story is because you felt emotions when you heard it.  Stories that invoke your emotion increase retention of that story exponentially. 

It’s simple but not easy. Telling a story in a manner that’s engaging, moving and relevant is a skill that can be learned.  Some people are born with a natural aptitude but everyone can learn how to tell the story.  Persuasion and influence are the natural by-product of moving your listener into empathy to your perspective.

Author

Spread the love

Author

MORE POSTS

Are you always in the weeds? Understanding your mindset is the key to stopping!

When communicating up the corporate ladder, the ability to curate information effectively is crucial. However, many people fall into the trap of oversharing details, driven by underlying psychological factors that can undermine their communication effectiveness. One of the primary reasons people feel compelled to overshare is the desire to validate their worth. The mindset of proving you’ve done a lot of work often stems from a need for recognition and approval. By sharing every detail,

Spread the love

Preventing Interruptions

Preventing interruptions begins by taking a closer look at the way you communicate your thoughts, ideas and suggestions. Beginning with the main point ensures that your listeners hear your most important insights before interruptions occur. Learn how in this one-minute video. Author Melody Elkin View all posts Spread the love

Spread the love

Executive Communication Coaching ~ An expanding and specialized field

Executive Communication Coaching (ECC) is a specialty within the leadership coaching field which focuses on imparting communication skill expertise to achieve individual, team and organizational success. ECC focuses on assessment and targeted goals, mindset change, skill presentation and practice; and is measured by observable results. Client self-discovery and insight are integral to the coaching process, as they greatly impact ability to integrate and apply new and effective strategies. ECC is distinguished from other Executive Coach

Spread the love

QUESTIONS? NEED HELP?

Tell us what’s on your mind: