Why tell your story?

Welcome back to the LIFT Your Impact newsletter, where you can learn how to achieve your goals by LIFTing others. Here you will gain insights and top tips on leadership, communication, and storytelling. I also provide daily video tips on Instagram here!

My team at Body Talk delivers powerful, proven training on the science of communication, and we offer a wide range of virtual training options. Or click here if you would like to book me for a speaking engagement (virtual or in person).?

In my last newsletter, we talked about how to conquer writer’s block, but you may be wondering, what story do I need to tell? And why does it matter?

First of all, imposter syndrome is a major hurdle for all of us. (Check out the Body Talk Brief for tips on how to conquer it!) It’s one way that we convince ourselves that our stories aren’t worth sharing, but the truth is:

You were born to tell stories.

Stories help us to make sense of the world. There are millions of data points around us every day. Stories give statements meaning. Stories can plant ideas that transform behaviour.

So where do you start?

Most people begin by saying, “What do I want to say?” But that’s the wrong focus!

Try shifting your focus to, “What do people need to hear?”?

Imagine your story being told in the order in which your listener(s) need to hear it, in order to be hooked at the start, compelled to listen throughout, and motivated to take action at the end.?

Everyone has something important to share, but if you really want to communicate that message to others, you can’t simply rely on relaying information. This belongs in your story. Storytelling structure engages both the logical and emotional parts of the brain, ensuring that people get the data they need, as well as feel more emotionally compelled to act on your ideas.?

And remember, you are not the hero.

If you want to use storytelling to communicate your message, keep in mind what role you are playing. In most stories, there’s a hero, a villain, and a mentor. If you place yourself as the hero, what does that make your listener? If they’re the villain, they’re not going to want to hear your story. And no one likes feeling like the victim, who the hero must swoop in and save.?

You are the mentor, and your listener is the hero.

Put your listener(s) in the hero’s shoes, and provide them with everything they need to be successful on their journey.

Create your story.

Now you know why you need to tell your story—not because you have something to say, but because you have something that others need to hear. Try answering these questions to help get started:

• Who is your audience?
• What challenges is your audience concerned about?
• What goals does your audience want to achieve?
• What does your audience need from you?

The more you use storytelling, the easier it will become. You have something that others need to know, and there is no better way to effectively communicate your message than through storytelling.?

Thank you for joining me for another LIFT Your Impact newsletter.?

And speaking of storytelling, you can now pre-order my new book, Lift Your Impact, here in the UK and here in the US! Bulk purchases can be made here.

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