How to Influence Using Storytelling

(16406) Dave Lakhani says:

Everyone loves hearing a good story. Stories slide past our logical barriers and engage our emotions. Most people are trained from early childhood to enjoy a great story. To become more persuasive, improve and enhance your story-telling skills and abilities.

To tell a great and persuasive story:

Know your story inside and out, and think about it in advance

Start with a “grab-me-by-the-ears” statement

Lay the groundwork by providing some background

Engage the listener’s emotion, not just their logic

Add some extra layers of proof for your suggestions

Answer the questions they’re most likely to have

Give enough information so the listener can draw a conclusion

Get some feedback from the listener

Storytelling is a performance art that must be practiced to be improved. Polish your delivery mechanisms by telling stories frequently. Write the same way — by telling a good story.