How do you use stories to inspire action and change in your audience?

I have found that the basic elements of human experience like hardship, disappointment, connection, joy, and pride can be a great foundation of storytelling that will connect with your audience. Once we can relate on a human level, we can take it to the industry or subject that has brought us all into a room.

It's essential when storytelling to ensure you use relevant and relatable stories. Storytelling when done well can emotionally and psychologically resonate with your audience. It should be on topic to your overall messaging. Humor typically works when sprinkled in with something more serious since it's a scientific fact that laughing is good for the brain and body. In the end, make it personal - don't lie. People can pick up on inauthentic behavior.

Tell your own story if possible, even if it is less dramatic than others' stories. Being vulnerable is key to getting your audience's attention. They want to know that you are not special, and came from a background that is normal. That way 90% of the audience relates to your story better. Pain is something that communicates - and it is universal. Embed your stories with struggle, conflict, pain, hope, and resilience - and how you overcame it with deliberate efforts and collaboration. The hero's journey format of Marvel Studios works well in all scenarios. Making it less syrupy is your job.

In our human experience we find pieces of our own selves in the stories of others. Those stories become the mirrors of our souls that we peer into to seek to find the balance in our own internal pendulum swing between hero and villain. As a child I found the stories in the Andy Griffith show stuck with me well. I always wanted to be like “Andy” but I saw myself more like “Barney.” That story swing has stayed with me and stabilized my actions through those well told and visualized stories.

We teach our contractors to use storytelling in our sales training classes. Facts tell but stories sell. For every situation they encounter we teach them to use a character to make the point they want to make. This way when they encounter the typical issues they’re able to reframe with out being obvious.

Finding your narrative arc is critical. Unlike a Ted Talk or something else that has their own specific model, use a basic outline that includes your "why" - why are you and your audience here, "what" is in it for them and what will they learn/takeaway, "how" will they do it and/or how will you show them the way (also part of "what" will you deliver), "why" should they care and the overall importance. Take your audience on a journey. They must connect early on emotionally and then it's your job to keep them engaged until the end.

Three elements to engage your audience plus add inspiration and motivation: 1. Begin with a question that captures the audience's attention. 2. Provide a compelling story that pertains to the question and increases the desire to learn from the content and hear how the story ends. 3. Conclude with the last sentence providing hope, motivation, and inspiration for each attendee to improve.

One more important thing about your stories... keep your end goal... your key point... in mind. Craft the story to drive tonyour point, eliminating sections or parts that aren't necessary. The story is a powerful carrier for your point, not a chance to prove you are a great story teller.

Delivery of ones story should be an extension of they already are. Take the time to hone in on your own unique style, albeit tone, voice, fashion or physical appearance. Play up what you have versus adopting someone else. In the end, it will be more authentic.

Daymond John shared a powerful message on social media talking about the power of telling a story and the impact it can have on your audience. By telling your audience what you're going to tell them, telling them what you said you were going to tell them, and then remind them what you told them, you will appeal to all aspects of a listeners attention. By priming the brain and setting expectations, you can metaphorically set the table for success and provide a road map for the listener to travel along with you while you tell your tale. We're social beings, and that will never go away, regardless of how advanced our society has become. Therefore, storytelling will always be a valuable means of communication and building connection.

I ask the audience to think of a time where they have been courageous before sharing a personal story of courage. It personalises the story making it more relatable and bringing resonance to the call to action

Storytelling is multi-dimensional and faceted. Shy away from always and only using the same type of stories. Humor can be powerful when done in bits and moments, not for 30mins straight unless it's a comedy show. If you're set on comedy as part of the premise of your talk then consider the range or spectrum of the topic. You can start a story on a serious tone and end on a higher one or visa versa. Don't feel compelled to always be "on" and make people laugh.

I agree with practice being the key to find those “Guardrails” when preparing to speak. In hope it helps others, I submit my practice plan once my talk is written: 1. Read it out-loud 5 times in front of a mirror. 2. Set it down, and come back in an hour and speak it into an app. 3. Listen to what you have said, noting timing, tone, speed, stories and applications. 4. Sleep on it. 5. Read it over 2 more times out-loud. 6. Go to the space in advance, if you can, where you will deliver it. 7. Ask for divine help, again. I would suggest the greatest talks begin with asking for divine guidance. 8. Deliver - with love for your audience and desire to uplift them. One personal connection for inspiration is worth the effort.

They say practice makes perfect. Not sure who "they" are but as someone who's delivered countless talks, workshops and speeches - I can say that you can never over-practice. Whether it's in front of a mirror, people or online - practice. And remember, your audience doesn't know your outline or content - you do. Go with the flow and seek to generate and embody your talk versus reading a script. Notes are simply guides and guardrails.

People often flock to Ted Talks in droves to understand how to present powerfully. Although that's a great resource, many don't know or forget that those types of talks have a different structure and require a different type of delivery. That said, I am a huge fan of using that as one of many resources to study. What I always recommend and do myself is watch comedians. Yes, comedians. Long form comedy is brilliant and you can truly watch the journey a comedian takes you on for 45+ minutes. From Chapelle, Hart, Seinfeld, Schumer, Carlin to name a few.

I can't stress enough that it's important to hone your craft, skill and content but equally if not more important to know more about yourself and what works and doesn't for you as a speaker.

Stories are powerful tools for motivational speakers. Choose relevant stories that resonate with your audience, showing them how to apply the message. Structure stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end, creating tension and revealing a lesson. Deliver stories vividly, appealing to the senses and engaging emotions. Use different types of stories for different purposes. Practice your stories, adapting them to various audiences. Learn from other storytellers through videos, books, workshops, or collaboration. Mastering the art of storytelling enables you to inspire and motivate your audience effectively.