So what makes for good storytelling?
An Inc. article suggests that the common elements of good storytelling include simplicity, emotion, and truthfulness. The writer of the article, Paul Jarvis, says that “Everything can be a story — you just have to tell it.” If you can engage the hearts and minds of your listeners, whether in writing, in-person, or on video, they’ll stick with you long enough to hear about your products and services.
Continue to engage them, and they’ll become your “tribe” — your committed fans and customers.
Jarvis adds that “we’re still hardwired to learn better if someone’s words have meaning and emotion to them (science backs this up) as the use of narrative helps our brain focus.” That’s because the neurons that fire when we’re listening to a story are the same ones that would fire if we were doing what’s happening in the story.
Great storytelling doesn’t even need words. Remember this Volkswagen commercial featuring a pint-sized Darth Vader? The commercial was made in 2011, and still nabbing Volkswagen tons of downloads.
Need help communicating your story? I’m pretty darn good at it. Let’s chat.
