Everyone remembers a good story. Whether they heard it on the radio, read about it in a newspaper or saw it unfold on live television, good stories have a tendency to stick with us, regardless of the subject matter.
However, a story by itself can only go so far. A good story can be most effective when told by a great storyteller. Effective storytellers have the ability to capture their audience, lead them in whatever direction necessary and leave listeners/readers with new knowledge for them to absorb, a value which they may carry with them for the rest of their lives. But how does storytelling impact you?
Storytelling is common in most forms of media. We see it in TV shows, films, books, newspaper articles, plays, etc. However, it is something that is often left behind in some of our everyday practices. Storytelling can be used in speeches, presentations, workshops and even board meetings. It has been one of the most useful skills present to humans since the inception of communication, so don’t leave it behind. So why should storytelling be at the top of your up-skilling list this year?
Learn to find and capture your target audience
Storytelling is a skill. Similar to learning a musical instrument, it needs to be taught and practiced before you can start using it in your professional life. However, learning to be an effective storyteller comes with an array of benefits. One of which is the ability to gauge, find and capture your target audience and hook them in to understand your brand’s core values.
Knowing who your audience is can only benefit your business. You can shape your marketing strategies, PR campaigns and even your product/service range around this information and begin to reach your true demographic. But how can one use storytelling to achieve this?
They say to start with what you know, but we say ‘start with what everyone knows’. Creating relatable content that your audience can all resonate and connect with is a key aspect of storytelling and will make your content stand out from the rest. Recollect those common traits which we all share and build your story around that.
Improve engagement
How many times have you delivered a speech or a presentation to a large group of people and have had the unfortunate experience of watching those in front of you completely switch off and start staring past you, rather than at you?
Keeping your audience active and engaged is a skill that comes with experience. However, storytelling can provide you with the charisma boost needed in order to snatch the attention of your peers. Hook them in with your opening sentence, keep their attention on the most important sections and finish with an eye-opening ending which will leave them in awe of your presence. Leave them with a lasting impression of you and your hard work.
Customers love to hear your story
Building customer engagement and relationships are all down to trust. Why should somebody be loyal to your brand? Storytelling can be an imperative aspect of this. People find it easier to connect with a brand who show some form of vulnerability in their appearance. They want to believe that you are open to collaboration and that you truly care about your clientele.
Many of the world’s biggest brands employ professional storytellers to help with their ad campaigns and to help promote their public image. They craft intelligent, thought-provoking and emotional narratives, based on their target audience, in order to achieve the most effective response and to truly resonate with their customer base.
Everybody has a favourite ad. We remember them from our emotional attachment to them. This shows the effect storytelling can have on those you seek to engage with. Allow your customers to get a sense of who you are by telling great stories about your brand.
Storytelling fuels creativity
If you are a regular follower of our blog, then you know that the good folks here at All Good Tales love flexing our creative muscles. Being creative in your work is a sure-fire way of getting your message across. Storytelling is just one of many creative skills which can be used to help bolster creativity within your workplace. Why not book a Story First course with us here at All Good Tales and learn how to power your presentations with great storytelling?
