Matthew Dicks, a best-selling novelist and storytelling coach, shares his insights on the art of storytelling in business communication. He believes that narratives can transform ordinary messages into memorable experiences. Dicks emphasizes practical techniques for crafting compelling stories, from setting scenes to creating suspense. He also discusses the importance of reflection in uncovering everyday tales, noting that becoming a better storyteller can elevate one's career and make leaders more engaging.
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Quick takeaways
Incorporating storytelling in business communications transforms mundane messages into engaging narratives that capture audience attention and foster memorability.
Effective storytelling requires thoughtful setup and delivery techniques, including pacing and suspense, to create emotional connections and maintain audience engagement.
Deep dives
The Power of Storytelling in Business Communication
Storytelling can significantly enhance communication in a business environment by making messages more memorable and engaging. Many business communications lack impact, often being described as 'round, white, and flavorless,' which results in them being quickly forgotten. Incorporating storytelling about products, services, or company experiences can capture attention and make presentations more compelling. As most individuals and organizations struggle with effective storytelling, even minor improvements can create a substantial difference in achieving communication goals.
Key Elements of an Effective Story
A good story focuses on a singular moment of change that evokes audience interest, requiring a thoughtful setup to build towards that moment. Storytellers must frame their narratives to be engaging, as listeners are often hesitant to pay attention unless a compelling reason is provided. This includes creating emotional connections and focusing on a story’s unique elements rather than simply reporting events. Understanding what constitutes a story versus a mere account of events is vital for captivating an audience and ensuring the message resonates.
Strategies for Enhancing Storytelling Skills
Storytelling delivery hinges on several elements such as pacing, pauses, pitch, and volume, which can all impact audience engagement. Practicing storytelling frequently allows individuals to develop these techniques, right from the opening moments of a story, which can set the tone for engagement. Beginning stories with specific locations and actions captivates listeners' attention and invites them into the narrative. Furthermore, creating suspense by strategically withholding and revealing information keeps audiences intrigued and eager for the story's progression.
“Immediately forgettable” — that’s how Matthew Dicks describes most of the business communication that he encounters. If you want to be remembered, he says, it’s time to tell stories.
A veteran elementary school teacher, storytelling coach, and best-selling author, Dicks knows how the right narrative can transform mundane messages into stories that stick. In his book, Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling, he explores how to capture and hold an audience’s attention, which is particularly critical for business leaders. "When we tell a story about a product or service, the people we work with, our company, we become memorable and interesting and entertaining in a way that doesn't happen very often in business," he says.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Dicks and host Matt Abrahams discuss practical techniques for crafting compelling narratives, from setting a scene to creating suspense. “Don’t build a building. Don’t buy a machine,” he says. Becoming a better storyteller is one of the most effective ways to level up. “It’s a crazy thing for businesses,” he says.