How to Create a Winning Business Story
Lisa Evans MBA
I coach leaders in high-impact public speaking, presentation skills, and business storytelling. My goal is to help you communicate with confidence and clarity.
Creating a winning story every time
As a business leader, you can stand out as a speaker when you master the art and science of telling a good story.
The good news is once you have a reusable storytelling formula, you can then create many different stories, meaning that you will have access to a suite of stories that both you and others in the organisation can share. When you use a practical story formula you can tweak, revise and revitalise your material stays relevant.
In the previous article, I wrote about the Pitfalls of Storytelling now I'd like to share some tips on getting started on creating a suite of stories.
Storytelling on purpose
Before you start creating a narrative strategy for yourself and your organisation, there are ten questions to ask yourself and your team.
10 Questions to ask before you begin your business storytelling journey
- Why tell stories?
- What is the ultimate purpose?
- What type of stories do we want to share?
- How will we know the story is having an impact?
- How many stories do we need?
- Who will we share our stories with?
- What medium will we use?
- Who is the best person in the organisation to share a particular story?
- Who else in the organisation may share these stories? Perhaps customers, leaders of all levels, sales team.
- How do we continue harvesting stories that are relatable, relevant and repeatable?
The suite of business stories every savvy leader can apply
There are different types of stories that make up an overall narrative strategy. Here are the six indispensable stories that sit well in any leaders communication toolkit.
- The Core Story
- The Founding Story
- The Client Journey
- The Aspiration Story
- The Values Story
- The Change Story
Each story will serve a slightly different purpose and have a different narrative strategy. If it seems overwhelming, then the best place to start is with the Core Story also known as your signature story. This essential story includes the essence of you and helps others to connect on a slightly more personal level.
Why not get the whole team sharing stories?
When your suite of stories is fleshed out, there are multiple applications of storytelling in your leadership journey.
If you would like to host a facilitated business storytelling session for your leadership team then let’s chat.
Here’s how I may help you
I am one of Australia’s leading executive speaker coaches, and my expertise is helping leaders to make an impact through the power of business storytelling.
To decide on the next step to level up your speaking and storytelling, let’s start with a brief chat.
My services include:
Business Storytelling Coaching – together we can get started to create your suite of stories. A minimum of three sessions is recommended 1:1 in person or virtually via Zoom.
Executive Speaker Coaching – if you have an upcoming guest speaking opportunity, funding pitch, conference talk or you want to be an outstanding speaker, we can work together on your technique. You will see the results after one session.
Storytelling for Leaders Interactive Workshops – I can come to you, or we can host a workshop offsite for your team. From half-day to two-days immersive, this customised workshop is an ideal way to kick start your business storytelling strategy and get the whole team telling stories.
Keynote/Guest Speaking at your next conference or event – I have several topics to choose from ranging from a 30-minute talk up to a 90-minute interactive session.
Strategic Operations Director - Investments at Gallantree Group | Director - Macarthur Innovation
4 年Storytelling is essential in so many businesses, Lisa! Thank you for sharing your insights on this topic.
20+ yrs of speaking industry knowledge | Booking Presenters Made Easy
5 年I had not thought much about the aspect of storytelling in business however, am now so aware of how important it is.? It engages people, it creates interest and curiosity and shares messages where you can highlight the problem and it's impact and then the solution.? It is then so useful for bringing your team/customers on board and learning more about you, your direction, your product and it helps builds trust.