Page 85 - Warwickers Communication Counts v2015
P. 85
stories 85 COMMUNICATION SKILLS STORIES
A story is a narrative account of an event or events – true or fictional.
The difference between giving an example and telling a story is the
addition of emotional content and added sensory details in the
telling. A story weaves detail, character and events into a whole that
is greater than the sums of its parts.
Annette Simmons in ‘The Story Factor’
Stories are incredibly powerful ways to get your message across. For businesses wanting a more
creative and memorable way to communicate stories are engaging, easy to remember and people
like them. They create vivid images and emotional ties to characters. So communicate using
stories and pictures, with less corporate rhetoric, for business priorities and calls for action. They
help business leaders connect their people to strategy, vision, values and change making it seem
more relevant.
Do not just focus on the story itself but what you are using them for. A great story can change the
way people think about things, spark the imagination, simplify complex messages and encourage
dialogue. When people hear a really good story they also tell others. Employees can be involved
in the process too, adding their own content to bring it to life and generating practical ideas to
help increase engagement and productivity. 1) Start with a character your audience can
relate to i.e. your ideal customer as the hero
6 types of stories to influence others of your story.
1. Who I am 2) Set the stage: tell them what you are going to
tell them, tell them, tell them what you told
2. Why I am here them.
3. The Vision - WIFM 3) Establish conflict/ a problem: man against an
4. Teaching – what and how
5. Values in action - examples external pressure or himself.
6. I know what you are thinking 4) Create tests and obstacles and hint at what
is to come to build suspense.
5) Use dialogue: stories are about people and
people talk.
6) Conclude with a message, moral or lesson.
A story is a narrative account of an event or events – true or fictional.
The difference between giving an example and telling a story is the
addition of emotional content and added sensory details in the
telling. A story weaves detail, character and events into a whole that
is greater than the sums of its parts.
Annette Simmons in ‘The Story Factor’
Stories are incredibly powerful ways to get your message across. For businesses wanting a more
creative and memorable way to communicate stories are engaging, easy to remember and people
like them. They create vivid images and emotional ties to characters. So communicate using
stories and pictures, with less corporate rhetoric, for business priorities and calls for action. They
help business leaders connect their people to strategy, vision, values and change making it seem
more relevant.
Do not just focus on the story itself but what you are using them for. A great story can change the
way people think about things, spark the imagination, simplify complex messages and encourage
dialogue. When people hear a really good story they also tell others. Employees can be involved
in the process too, adding their own content to bring it to life and generating practical ideas to
help increase engagement and productivity. 1) Start with a character your audience can
relate to i.e. your ideal customer as the hero
6 types of stories to influence others of your story.
1. Who I am 2) Set the stage: tell them what you are going to
tell them, tell them, tell them what you told
2. Why I am here them.
3. The Vision - WIFM 3) Establish conflict/ a problem: man against an
4. Teaching – what and how
5. Values in action - examples external pressure or himself.
6. I know what you are thinking 4) Create tests and obstacles and hint at what
is to come to build suspense.
5) Use dialogue: stories are about people and
people talk.
6) Conclude with a message, moral or lesson.
