43. Once Upon a User: A UX Storytelling Adventure with Jeff White
Aug 15, 2023
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Jeff White, expert in UX storytelling, shares actionable advice on how to improve storytelling skills. Topics include common mistakes, different storytelling frameworks, using personas, and utilizing storytelling in interviews. The hosts also discuss favorite books and struggles with creativity.
Using storytelling techniques in case studies can make them more compelling and insightful for readers.
In interviews, using visuals to support a concise and compelling verbal narrative is crucial.
Tailoring the storytelling approach to the specific stakeholders and understanding audience insights can effectively engage and deliver a compelling message.
Deep dives
Using storytelling techniques in a case study
When creating a case study, it is important to use storytelling techniques to convey the work effectively. One approach is to start with the outcome or accomplishment, such as an increase in a specific metric or a finished visual. This immediately captures the reader's attention. Another technique is to connect the dots between different deliverables, explaining the context and insights gained from each step. This helps to create a narrative flow in the case study, making it more compelling and insightful for the reader.
Tailoring storytelling techniques for interviews
In an interview setting, storytelling techniques need to be adjusted to engage the interviewer and effectively communicate your work. Visuals should play a prominent role, with minimal text on slides. Focus on telling a concise and compelling story verbally, using visuals to support your narrative. It is crucial to understand the audience and tailor your storytelling approach accordingly, providing the necessary context while avoiding unnecessary background information. Presenting from a visual-focused deck rather than relying on a website or written case study is recommended.
Adapting storytelling for stakeholder meetings
Stakeholder meetings require a strategic approach to storytelling. Understanding the audience, their knowledge about the project, and their specific needs is crucial. Avoid overwhelming stakeholders with excessive background information and focus on the essentials. Presenting challenges and transformations in a concise and engaging manner can be effective. Networking with other stakeholders or their assistants can provide valuable insights into their preferences and expectations, helping to tailor the storytelling approach to the specific stakeholders.
The importance of audience insight
Audience insight is key in using storytelling techniques effectively in various contexts. By understanding who you are communicating with, what they already know, and what they need to know, you can shape your storytelling approach to capture their attention and deliver a compelling message. This includes adapting visuals, focusing on the right information, and using storytelling frameworks or techniques that resonate with the audience.
Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking
The podcast episode discusses the speaker's personal struggle with anxiety and fear of public speaking. They share tips on how to cope with nervousness, such as deconstructing fears and practicing.
Finding Your Unique Voice
The episode explores the concept of finding one's unique voice in design and storytelling. The speaker suggests observing effective communicators, borrowing techniques, and personalizing them to create an authentic voice.
People are constantly telling junior UX designers that they need to master their "storytelling skills." But very few people really explain how to do that. Jeff White's storytelling book and course is different.
