These are some of the storytelling courses from the RED thread, which is focused on organizing, codifying and then distributing powerful storytelling tools to change-makers who have important things to say. Tonight we will explore your storytelling signature and if you click on this button, you can join for free.
There is also a GREEN thread oriented toward context and meaning, a YELLOW thread that stays in the creativity and intuition lane, and then the BLUE thread that explores storytelling and its ability to change how we feel.
All of this is organized in a single library, which I call the Boswell. But we’ll get into that another time. Let’s focus instead on you and your storytelling signature. Take a look at this grid below.
Where does your attention go? Is it the name of the Storyteller Type or is it the image I chose to represent it? Why do you suppose your attention went there?
When you think of an effective storyteller, it is likely you picture a charismatic, polished and engaging speaker who has great content. You might be surprised to hear that this kind of storytelling is actually the LEAST effective. It generally comes off as being inauthentic and even a little annoying. Yes, we celebrate practiced storytellers but deep down, we find them a little irritating.
That honest irritation is very important, and it keeps the listener from any potential transformation or true engagement with the content. At best we nod politely and appreciate the skill. But it has no enduring effect.
So what is the most effective and transformative form of storytelling?
It is, quite simply, the one that fits you best. And storytelling is hardly a “one size fits all” sort of deal. Each of us has a signature, and it is our job to figure that out.
Feel free to follow these posts on the different “Types” introduced above, but I encourage you to join me for a series of free lectures and practice sessions that will help you identify what is authentic and true for you.
The first session is tonight. Here is how you join:
It is free if you use the link below. The cost of the course is waived. Do this today before 7 PM Eastern, which is when we begin the first session. After that you’ll have to pay the tuition.
It's so true that the classic motivational speaker mode is disengaging. I've seen it over and over in corporate settings. People just want real people talking to them.