3 Storytelling Elements To Boost Communications

Storytelling is a technique you can use to boost your communications. When you implement good storytelling into a presentation, you can connect, and inspire your audience. There are several different ways you can use storytelling in your communications.

• Being interviewed by the media
• Trying to persuade others
• During a presentation
• In a meeting
• Networking events

Just because you are telling a story about your business, or things surrounding your business, doesn’t mean your story has to be boring. 

Below are 3 storytelling elements to incorporate the next time you tell a story.

1. THE MAIN CHARACTERS

The main characters are the people who the story is about. When you have characters in your story, it is easier for the audience to connect with your message. As you describe the main characters, keep the following in mind:

• Who Are They – The audience needs to know your main characters. This is because your audience will relate to the main characters. 
• Relevant Details – You don’t need to give every detail about your main characters, but you need to include relevant information. 

💡We recommend the e-course, “Become A Powerful Storyteller” to learn more about using storytelling elements. 

Your audience will experience the story through the eyes of the main characters. Be sure your audience knows who they are any relevant details about them.

2. THE CONFLICT 

Every story has some conflict or challenge. In other words, what is it the main character must do or overcome? This conflict is what drives the story forward. For example, maybe you are the main character, and you had to find a new job before your next rent payment. Your main character’s challenge is to find a new job.

A good storyteller will lead their audience on a journey using several different tactics:

• Explain The Conflict – A good storyteller will explain the conflict clearly and concisely. This means everyone in the audience understands why the main character is doing what they are doing. 
• Build Suspense – Once your audience understands the conflict, building suspense will keep them engaged. Let’s say you are telling the story about landing a big client. However, landing the client wasn’t easy. Tell your audience the hurdles you had to jump through to get the client. 
• Use Emotions – You want your audience to feel something as they listen to your story. More specifically, you want them to feel what your main character is feeling. This is because emotions help your audience connect with your story. 

Explaining the conflict, or challenge, with suspense and emotions will captivate your audience and help them stay engaged.

3. THE RESOLUTION

Every story needs an ending. If you’ve done your job of taking your audience on a journey, they will want to know if the main character resolves their conflict. 

As you wrap up your story, keep the following in mind:

• The Results – The results are what happened. For example, did you land a new client? Did you get the job? You have to tell your audience whether or not the main character resolved the conflict. 
• The Reason – Most of the time, you are telling a story for a reason other than just to tell a story. Often, there is another reason for your story. 
• The Impact – What was the journey’s impact on the main character? In other words, did the main character learn something? Often, the main character’s journey will impact them in the future. 

Your audience has been anticipating the ending of your story. Make sure you wrap up the story, so the audience understands how it ended, and any lessons the main character learned.

The art of storytelling is something you can learn. As you practice telling stories, be sure to include these 3 elements, so your audience is engaged and understands the intent of your message.

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