How to accelerate your story skills with the help of AI

There are a series of hurdles each learner must clear to become story-fluent, including,

• knowing whether you're telling a story or not;
• finding stories to tell;
• knowing the point of your story; and
• knowing how to seamlessly transition to your story in a conversation.

Practice and technique are vital. To be a good business storyteller, story skills must enter your muscle memory.

In the past, we've traditionally leaned on frameworks and feedback to sharpen our story skills. Take, for instance, the challenge of determining whether a piece is a story or not. You might begin this task by diving into Anecdote's story-spotting framework . Engage in a self-directed test using the framework as your guide. It's a learning process: you test your understanding, analyze why some assessments were off the mark, and then apply these insights in your next attempt. This rinse-and-repeat approach gradually builds your confidence and proficiency in story-spotting, a fundamental skill for any storyteller seeking to hone their craft.

But we now have a powerful ally to accelerate our learning.

2023 was a ground-breaking year for AI, particularly generative AI.

Tools like ChatGPT can quickly give you examples to speed up your goal of becoming story-fluent.

Here are four ways to use ChatGPT to augment your story practice.

Distinguishing Stories from Non-Stories: The AI Litmus Test

You can only reap the benefits of storytelling if you actually tell a story. So story spotting is vital. How many times have you heard someone proclaim they are telling a story only to hear a point of view or a series of facts?

AI can now play the role of your personal story-spotter. Simply feed your candidate text into ChatGPT, and you can get a clear verdict on whether what you have is a story or just information.

It’s like having a knowledgeable storytelling coach at your fingertips, ensuring your messages pack a narrative punch.

Contextual Story Ideas: AI as Your Personal Muse

Picture this: you're prepping for a job interview or a crucial client meeting, and you need a story that hits the mark. AI can now serve as a brainstorming partner. Share your context with ChatGPT, and it can suggest relevant topics for good anecdotes that align with your objectives. This capability is akin to having a personal muse ready to inspire you with ideas that can turn a routine interaction into a memorable encounter.

But be careful not to ask for the anecdote. We are not there yet. First, AIs tend to tell stories like pieces of literature rather than oral stories. Because that's the source material.

Second, generative AI will make stories up, which can sound plausible but seriously compromise your integrity if you are lured into telling them.

Seamless Transitions: AI as a Storytelling Guide

One of the trickiest parts of storytelling is the transition – how do you smoothly switch from general conversation to your story? This is where AI can be a game-changer. Provide the AI with your story with the point you wish to make, and it can craft a natural and compelling segue. And if you don't like the first example, ask for another. This guidance is invaluable for those looking to achieve story fluency, transforming hesitant speakers into confident narrators.

Unearthing the Gems: AI-Driven Insights from Stories

Every story has its lessons, but sometimes they're not immediately apparent. Here, AI can play the role of an insightful analyst. By analyzing a story, ChatGPT can list key points and takeaways, helping you understand and communicate the underlying messages more effectively. It's like having a wise mentor who can help you mine your narratives for insights that resonate with your audience.

Conclusion

As we continue to blend technology and humanity, AI's role in storytelling is a frontier of immense potential. From ensuring we are telling stories to helping us find anecdotes and from guiding transitions to unearthing deeper insights, AI is not just a tool; it’s a collaborator that enhances our innate storytelling abilities. In the realm of business, where every interaction counts, AI-assisted storytelling is not just a novelty – it will differentiate the AI-savvy storyteller.

Mark Schenk and I are teaching our coaching clients to use AI as part of their story toolkit. Get in touch if you would like to know more.