Humans have used stories to explain, entertain and connect since the dawn of time, from prehistoric man seeking to understand and therefore survive the vagaries of nature and wildlife to the highly sophisticated marketing machines of modern commerce and politics.
We are drawn to the people and entities able to tell gripping, inspiring, emotional or insightful tales. Conversely, when a story seems phoney or does not make sense, we react with suspicion or fill in the gaps ourselves. With the deafening cacophony of noise and choices we now face from a bewildering proliferation of communication media and modes, it is more essential than ever to control the narrative: to simplify the story, stand out and connect with your target audience, whether presenting to a panel or room full of people or one to one to a future customer.
Adding a human dynamic and emotional connection to all your communications will give you that elusive and powerful elixir β likeability β and make it more likely you will be remembered too. Life can easily become a messy and highly-pressured jumble of competing priorities, responsibilities and missed opportunities unless you take time to reflect on the past, focus on the now and imagine your desired future.
Self-possession begins with insight into what you are doing and why you are doing it. Only then can you communicate your own value, qualities and personal brand to others. Understanding yourself, your unique history, set of abilities, skills, weaknesses and limitations, what motivates you, how, where, when and with whom you work best, is essential in effective leadership and professional development.
It might be a painful loss or a sporting achievement; the birth of your first, longed-for child or a moment of inspired enlightenment. Practice telling the story of each. These events do not happen in a vacuum.
