Successful Storytelling Starts with the Three “C”s

POSTED: 02-27-2015 IN: Your Weekly Weapon With David Farbman

We all love a good book or movie that tells a solid story, leaving us changed and challenged by the art form, no matter the medium. Storytelling is a gift and a craft. If the story is good, a great story can be crafted from it. If the story is great, greatness will come from it. Every great story has a purpose: to change, challenge and connect with its audience.

When we tell a story, it is an opportunity to share our experience and connect with people. For many years, as I told stories in duck blinds, on boats or in the field, I thought only to entertain my friends and family. I loved making them laugh or touching their hearts, but it turns out there was more. Recently, I have come to realize that each of my stories told individually were good, but when woven together with a purpose, they become great.

Last year, I spent a good portion of my time traveling around the country, speaking to companies and organizations. At each place, I shared The Hunt and the story of coming back from the brink of defeat to founding Carbon Media Group and in turn, HealthRise.   The purpose of my story is to illustrate that when it seems as if the end is near, there is always another pivot or solution we’re not seeing. I have crafted my story so the audience can change their point of view, is challenged to look for their pivots and is connected by the emotional experience.

Here are a few tips for you to tell a story that will resonate with your audience:

Be human. People love to connect; it’s human nature. And let’s face it when the chips are down, we are all human, baby.

Be authentic. It is so easy to hide our true selves. When we put our true, authentic self out there, audiences will respond.

Make ‘em laugh. Or cry. Emotion equals investment. And when an audience invests in you, they will stick with you.

Make a memory. Give your audience a “take away;” words that will stick with them when they need a boost or mantra to help them in their life.

When you are working on storytelling or just your presenting skills, remember the three “C”s – Connect, Challenge, Change. Those three words will transform your stories into memories for your audience. And they will put us in touch with the purpose of sharing them: to create a bond that amplifies the human experience.

Comment on this and other posts on my Facebook page!

More Weekly Weapons