Why Audiences Ignore And Quickly Forget Your Personal Story

Why Audiences Ignore And Quickly Forget Your Personal Story

I was listening to an interview featuring a Hall of Fame speaker. She said something that on the surface sounded harsh. But, as a storytelling coach I agreed with. She said:

“Quit thinking that anyone cares about your personal story.”

The idea of sharing of your personal narrative has become popular in business. I make my living helping people tell their stories. Yet, I also believe we have to stop telling yet another personal story.

The Caveat To This Belief

People don’t care about another life-changing story, unless:

It's wrapped around tips, strategies or processes that can improve their lives.

Too many people are taking valuable audience time. They're sharing narratives without giving listeners value.

Why?

1) They’ve heard it’s the thing to do, and,

2) They haven’t discovered the steps to crafting meaningful stories.

If you want to watch a ‘motivational’ talk or heart-warming story, you can go to You Tube, TikTok, or other platforms 24/7.

Appeal To One Of Their Desires

Want to Stand OUT as a presenter?

Create exceptional word-of-mouth?

Be asked back time and time again to share your message?

Consider this - people today want help in one of ten areas. They want to know how to create:

  • More sales
  • More profits
  • Improved team dynamics
  • Higher levels of employee retention
  • Increased marketshare
  • More effective leadership abilities
  • Improved productivity
  • Less painful change
  • More effective and influential communication
  • Higher quality of life

That’s it!

Audience interest is self-serving, and it should be. If you don't appeal to one of these ten, you won't get buy-in.

Questions Your Narrative Should Answer

Look at lessons you learned from your experiences. For example, if you went through a bankruptcy, what did you learn?

What steps have you taken to be better at handling money?

What have you done to increase your income?

What types of debt will you not incur in the future?

What type of support did you receive??

These are the questions people want answered. Offer them the insight, tips, and new ways to solve their problems, and they will care about your story.

People don’t want to hear another narrative without a purpose. Those are available from too many other outlets.

Wrap your story around lessons learned. Show people how they can save time, money or energy. Let them see how they can experience painful setbacks or obstacles.?

Then you’ll have a story people WANT to hear.

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John J. Fenton, MBA

Empowering Accounting, Legal & Financial Pros to Amplify Leadership & Achieve Freedom | Strategic Coaching for CPAs, CEOs, & Top Executives | Coach & Award-Winning Speaker | Best-Selling Author | The CEO Sensei

2 年

Thank you Michael Davis . This edition is just what I needed as I prepare to lead a workshop for CEOS tomorrow morning. Great advice and insights. I have so many stories and relationing them to lessons learned and that the audience can can learn from as well is always on my mind.

Karan Bavandi

Founder of Optimal Access | Helping creators and researchers stand out by turning their content into trusted, interactive resources.

2 年

Great post Michael. Without purpose and context, stories will not be remembered. I am a member of SiliconSpeech toastmasters club and to practice my public speaking. There is also another tool I use called Yoodli that does the same as the tool you suggested.

Charlie Van Derven

Be A Cool Human ? Fractional CMO & Marketing Automation Expert ? Certified Performance Coach ? Helping Independent Advisors & RIAs Create More Efficient and Scalable Practices ? Podcast Host

2 年

Thanks for this reminder! It's important to have a clear takeaway for the listener when you wade into a personal story.

Jay Maymi

Nationally Syndicated Radio Talk Show Host / CEO / Creator of the Thrive Sales Mastery Course / Noted 10 Time Author / Keynote Speaker / Sales Psychology Trainer / #1 Actiontainer in the World

2 年

"People don’t care about another life-changing story, unless: It's wrapped around tips, strategies or processes that can improve their lives." #BOOM!!!

Karie Kaufmann

Business & Executive Coach | Scaling Up Strategic Planning Facilitator | Keynote Speaker

2 年

Insightful post Michael. Having something to offer the audience is crucial, as you mentioned. And your personal story will help enrich that and strengthen what you're trying to convey.

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