Webinar
Stories are memorable. Human beings are natural storytellers, and stories are powerful tools for increasing retention and engagement. Anyone can harness the power of storytelling to captivate others during times of change, renewal, and even crisis.
This webinar covered:
- the components of a great story.
- how to find impactful stories to use.
- how to tie your story to your initiative or call to action.
- how to keep your stories concise and compelling.
Webinar presenter Jim Hoar recently retired after 32 years of service with Target Corp. where he held many roles, most recently as senior consultant on Target’s Executive Development team. Jim’s teaching and research interests include strategy development, influence and influence tactics, and leading transformational change.
Presented on August 14, 2024.
Webinar Takeaways
Humans are hardwired for stories. It’s why we read to children, so they can learn to visualize and relate. It’s how early history was passed along. Unfortunately, we often leave this skill behind when we go to work.
Often, at work, we’ll want to use a story to influence people. Not to manipulate but to compel and make an impact. Recall the last great story you heard. What made it memorable? What effect did it have on you? Here are some answers from webinar participants:
- feeling part of the story
- pulled at heart strings
- humorous
- heart-breaking
- happy news
- relatable
- scary
- life-affirming
- made me think
- inspiring
Ingredients of a great story
- background - like the frame around a picture
- characters - who is involved in the story
- plot - the action, in which something happens to the characters; can be dramatic or subtle
- climax/epilogue - moment of truth; character learn something about themselves that is meaningful to them (epilogue: moral, what was learned, what makes this story meaningful)
- tie-in - this is where work storytelling begins: what does this story have to do with what you want people to do at work?
Find a story that fits your influence challenge
- Find a story that fits your call to action—what do you want people to do?
- Embrace a new system? A role change? A new process or method?
- Find a story that has the same theme as your influence challenge.
- E.g. overcoming obstacles, displaying courage, letting go of something.
- Make sure you can establish the tie-in.
- What does this story have to do with the task at hand?
- Try the story out on someone not involved with the challenge to see if it’s effective.
