Is Storytelling A Gimmick?

Before you say Gideon has come again, Notice how I didn’t say Scam?

I don’t believe storytelling is a Scam, but it can be abused. This is what today’s issue focuses on.?

There has been an uptrend in the demand and PR for storytelling across industries, personal or business-wise. Everyone is pushing the “tell stories!” mandate so that job titles like “Chief Storytelling Officer” emerge.

Nothing wrong with that. But let’s take ten steps back.?

What is Storytelling?

“The telling of a happening or connected series of happenings, whether true or fictitious; account; narration” ~Collins Dictionary.

In short, stories are narratives that can either be real or fake. In business, those who master telling stories win the audience’s hearts more.?

But there’s another set of people—those who try to use stories by force, even in instances that don’t permit it.?

Unpopular opinion: my antennas are alert whenever I notice people always resorting to stories to explain the simplest of narratives or ideas. Why? This could mean two things

1. They enjoy telling stories
2. They have no solid grasp of the concept they’re trying to sell?

In today’s world, where everyone takes shortcuts, it’s increasingly becoming the latter.

Stay with me.

Say you were in an emergency and needed to find your way somewhere. You come up to me and ask, “How can I locate X?” You’re sweaty and frustrated, and time is against you.

?

Picture this: Instead of reading the room and giving a direct answer, “Go here & here,” I laugh and start saying, “This was my favorite route to take to church when I was a kid…”

Yes, the story might be super good. It takes your attention, but it could cause consequences in an emergency like that.?

An extreme example, I know. But this happens more often than not, especially in conversations that matter.?

Imagine trying to get the attention of a big guy in your industry or do an elevator pitch, and you’re starting with “5 years ago…” without expressly getting permission to.

Where am I going?

There’s a time and place for everything, even stories, no matter how awesome they are.?

Let’s not even talk about the set of people who are loud about the WHAT of storytelling without knowing HOW to do it. It’s too easy to jump on trends these days.?

I might be among the first to call it, but hiding a lack of expertise in a well-presented story is easy. Many people are good at wearing the part without actually being it.

This is why there are so many mediocre people with stellar CVs. The gospel of storytelling spreads like wildfire against the gospel of authority.?

Does this mean storytelling is terrible? Heavens No. I’m a fan of stories, as I hinted earlier.

I aim to ignite & fortify your mind against good-looking imposters. We’re moving from Ponzi schemes to Ponzi people who can sell powerful narratives.

So, is it a gimmick?

My stance is that it can be.?

What’s yours? Have you ever been in a situation where you could tell the story was a diversion??

Share in the comments.?

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I’m Gideon, founder of Pixxis Agency , and I am open to connecting. Subscribe to this newsletter as I share more intricate details of my weekly journey of building my brand marketing agency.

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