Last week, I sat in an audience of ninth- and tenth-graders listening to a speaker, whose bio had immediately caught my attention. She clearly had a powerful personal story to tell, and I assumed we were about to hear it.
She opened with an engaging activity that got students out of their seats and involved. The room was with her. Then the activity ended, and something changed. Instead of telling the story we were waiting to hear, she began speaking in abstract terms. Her words sounded important, but they weren’t landing. Soon, the students were talking among themselves, and even I was struggling to stay focused.
At work and in life, we often need to deliver a message. Whether it’s to one person or to many, how do you make that message stick?
You tell a story.
Stories prompt the listener’s brain to mentally walk through the situation, creating an actual memory. Stories help people feel, relate and care, building emotional connection. They illustrate how and why things happen, turning abstract concepts into something concrete that can be easily understood.
To make your message stick with a story, try the following:
Write out your point. What is your message? If you can’t state it in a few words, you’ll struggle to convey it to anyone else with clarity.
Think of an experience from your own life that reflects your message. If nothing comes to mind, borrow one someone else has shared with you. Personal, original stories are the most authentic, and they resonate the strongest.
Introduce a relatable person.
Present a clear problem.
Show the journey to the solution.
Use vivid details. Sights, sounds and feelings help your audience picture it.
Tie the resolution back to your message and state it clearly. If it fits, include an actionable takeaway.
A story that is relatable, structured and emotionally charged will make your message stick and, ultimately, help you make a lasting impression on your audience and hopefully achieve the outcome you’re after.