STORY-TELLING: Bringing Subtle Drama into the boardroom

We have seen how leaders, both business and political, are expert conversationalists and powerful storytellers. Also, we know that engagement is critical for getting information across to our audience, regardless of their country, culture or level.

As professionals, we are constantly selling an idea, a product or a service to our stakeholders where using a story as a part of the narrative can be a winning concept. Impactful story-tellers use anecdotes to create the bridge with their audience. Most leaders tend to draw inspiration from stories and examples of other companies and people they have read about. International giants like Apple are favourite examples of success stories and companies like Kodak and Blackberry are presented as examples of how things can go wrong. This is fine, but authentic leaders also need to introspect and draw learning from their own stories. They need to be able to talk about their fears and vulnerabilities and how they have worked towards overcoming them.

Tips for story-telling:

·???????? Every story needs a setting: A story is a word essay which is a medium to transport people to another world. Your story should have a setting which can be used as a background to paint a powerful word picture, taking your audience to? another era, generation, company or country

·???????? Every story needs a protagonist:? Similar to a movie, every story needs a hero who will play the central character and around whom the story revolves. The story covers his /her challenges, struggles and victories, transporting the audience to the setting. The hero maybe a college dropout like Bill Gates, a returning corporate honcho like Steve Jobs, a home schooled scientist like Albert Einstein or a several times rejected author like J.K. Rowling. In the Indian context, we hear about the struggles of entrepreneurs who succeeded despite all odds.

·???????? Every story has to build suspense:? Build up the story keeping your audiences engaged as you make them travel through the story, evoking emotions using the highs, lows and the wow moments.?

·???????? Every story needs a powerful end: While a happy ending is ideal, there are several corporate stories which have a tough, conflicting or even a sad end. However, as a master story-teller, never leave the stage on a sad note. Instead, work around a sad end such that you can sign off with an inspiring quote, igniting hope in our audience.

·???????? Every story needs a message: Story-telling is a powerful medium to convey a subtle message. On the other hand, the same message when conveyed in a matter-of-fact way using data points or slides becomes boring. So, it’s your job as a story-teller to convey the message with clarity of thought and expression, leaving no ambiguity in the minds of your listeners.

Sounds easy? Not really. It takes discipline and imagination to pull it off a good speech. Many times, an audience may only remember a single line. For example, John F. Kennedy is best known for this declaration in his 1961 inaugural address: “And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what can do for your country.” Technically, the line itself uses contrast to grab attention but is quoted till this day!