Tell your story from Kevin E

Are you using stories to persuade and influence? You should be! Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Stories are everywhere. You’ve been around stories your whole life, and stories have been used by cultures since before written language to pass down oral history and teach valuable lessons. But have you thought about how to harness the power of stories purposefully in your communications as a leader? Here are four reasons why stories are such a powerful communication tool and to help you think about using stories more effectively to reach your communication goals. Stories make a point. Properly selected and told stories can make a point in ways other forms of communication cannot. Stories allow the listener to learn vicariously and discover lessons seemingly on their own. As a leader, select your stories carefully and match them to your intended message. Don’t tell stories just “because they are powerful” but because they help you make an important point. Stories make it memorable. Stories can – and do – help people remember things very effectively. As a leader one of your goals with any communication should be to make it memorable. Using well selected, well timed and oft repeated stories will help people remember your message. Stories make it meaningful. Stories can personalize a message and make us feel a part of the situation. Use stories to create meaning for people. However, remember, not everyone will have exactly the same meaning. That’s OK, as long as you are telling your stories purposefully and making your main message clear. The meaning each person creates helps them remember and personalize the story. Stories build connections. All stories can create a bond between the teller and the receiver; however, the strongest connections will be forged by personal, first person stories. As a leader, remember your most powerful stories will be things you share about your life experience – especially a time when you failed or made a mistake. Not only can those stories make your intended point, but they also can build a stronger connection or relationship between you and those you are telling the story to. Now go and tell your story!   Kevin Eikenberry Chief Potential Officer The Kevin Eikenberry Group   p.s. We need your help with a short communications survey. Everyone who completes the survey will be invited to a teleseminar with Guy, where he'll reveal the results and share valuable communication resources. Go here to take the survey now. Storytelling is just one technique leaders can use for powerful and persuasive communication. At Ultimate Communicator, leaders will learn essential communication skills to coach, motivate, persuade and influence others! Here's a look at our upcoming schedule: Philadelphia, PA: Nov. 12-13, 2013 Tampa, FL: Feb. 5-6, 2014 Denver, CO: Apr. 22-23, 2014 Nashville, TN: Jun. 5-6, 2014 Learn more and reserve your seat here! 8021 Westover Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268 United States | (317) 387-1424 Update My Contact Information | Unsubscribe