3 Ways To Become A Better Storyteller (even if you’re not a natural speaker)

From Austin Distel on Unsplash.

One of the most common questions I get is, ”I want to use more stories in business. But I don’t think I’m getting the benefits of storytelling that everyone talks about.

In these times we are especially challenged to find stories. Some of the best stories get told at social gatherings. Those one-to-one informal conversations at bars and coffee shops can be a gold mine.

Here are 3 ways to boost your storytelling skills. They’re easy. They’ve worked for many of my clients. Best of all, they’re enjoyable.

Keep a story journal.

I know: if we followed all the tips to keep journals, we’d have a stack of 20 journals for gratitude, life experiences, business ideas, and more.

This will be a simpler journal. As you hear stories on a webinar, or as you get a story in your inbox, make a note in a file. Don’t just save the “good” ones: save those that stand out as exceptionally good or exceptionally cringeworthy.

Over time you’ll start to notice patterns. You’ll notice what kinds of stories you get from different people…and who never tells a story but still holds your interest.

Collect stories when you work with clients.