Tip 23: Build Credibility Through Facts
Hadiya Nuriddin, MA, MEd
Award-winning Senior Learning Strategist, Instructional Designer, and Elearning Developer | International Keynote Speaker | Author of StoryTraining and Quality Management in L&D | CPTD | CQIA | CPTM | WOSB-certified
I always respond swiftly when people call stories fluff, a belief I vehemently disagree with. But I understand their concerns:
Stories are subjective (I mean, even if it's not told in story form, your account of what happened is still subjective, but I digress).
Storytellers add unnecessary details (of course, it could also be that the person you're listening to wasn't very demure or very mindful* when crafting the story and shared things they shouldn't - so don't blame stories for that, but, again, I digress).
See, I get it.
This is not a binary issue. You can, and often should, add facts and objective data to your stories to support your intent.
Building Credibility
Building credibility through facts in personal storytelling is essential for establishing trust and authenticity with the audience. Verifiable facts lend weight to the narrative, ensuring that the story is grounded in reality and, thereby, more believable. This enhances the storyteller's reputation as a reliable and informed narrator, which is particularly important when addressing topics requiring expertise or firsthand experience.
Mixing personal anecdotes with factual information allows the storyteller to create a more persuasive and compelling narrative, potentially influencing the audience's opinions or actions. Facts also provide a framework that supports the emotional elements of the story, balancing personal experiences with objective information and preventing the narrative from veering into exaggeration or fiction. Moreover, factual accuracy respects the audience's intelligence and fosters a more engaging and meaningful dialogue between the storyteller and the listeners.
Here are three examples of building credibility through facts, each presented as a first-person narrative:
Example 1: Using Market Research to Validate a Business Idea
"When I first came up with the idea for my health food startup, I knew I needed more than just passion. So, I dived into extensive market research and learned that the health food industry was growing at an annual rate of 10%, with increasing consumer demand for plant-based options. Sharing these statistics in my investor meetings wasn't just about showing numbers but about demonstrating that my business idea was grounded in real, measurable market trends. This approach helped me secure the funding I needed to start my venture."
This narrative uses specific market research data to bolster the protagonist's business plan, adding credibility to their entrepreneurial journey. The story becomes more convincing by providing concrete statistics on industry growth and consumer trends. This factual approach can be particularly persuasive to readers interested in the business's viability and strategic foundation.
Example 2: Highlighting Industry Experience in Overcoming Challenges
"Taking over the family construction business during an economic downturn was daunting. However, with over five years of experience in the industry, I was familiar with the cyclical nature of construction demand. For instance, I knew that infrastructure spending typically increases during post-recession periods, based on historical data. This knowledge was instrumental in navigating the business through tough times and eventually leading it to a period of growth and stability."
In this narrative, the protagonist's industry experience and knowledge of historical trends lend credibility to their decision-making and leadership. It shows that their actions are based on informed insights, not just intuition. This factual basis adds depth to the story, making the protagonist's achievements more impressive and believable.
Example 3: Using Personal Achievements to Inspire Others
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"As a keynote speaker at business forums, I often share my journey from a small-town entrepreneur to a Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient. I discuss my company's exact growth metrics, such as how we increased our revenue by 200% in three years and expanded our operations to four countries. This isn't just to tout my accomplishments but to provide a tangible, factual basis for what can be achieved with hard work and innovation. I aim to inspire budding entrepreneurs with real success stories, showing them what's possible with the right strategies and mindset."
This example builds credibility by showcasing the protagonist's personal achievements with specific, measurable successes. It demonstrates that the protagonist's advice and insights are grounded in real, achieved results. This factual evidence enhances the protagonist's credibility and serves as a powerful motivation for others.
In each of these narratives, the incorporation of factual information strengthens the story's authenticity, making it more compelling and trustworthy. Grounding the narrative in reality with facts helps establish the protagonist as knowledgeable and experienced, enhancing the story's overall impact.
*Courtesy Jools Lebron's TikTok meme .
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