Are complex story details in the stories you tell falling short of getting your point across to colleagues, investors and clients? As a result, the decision you ask them to make is lost in the details you spiel at them. This is not exactly the storytelling outcome you desire, is it?
Consider these four reasons why complex story details impede client decision making.
- First, you pack too many details into the time allotted to tell your story. So, you overwhelm listeners.
- Next, you may understand all the complex details in the stories you tell. However, you assume the folks listening to your story also understand these details. They don’t understand what you are saying, at all.
- Then, you have so many details to cover in a short time, you rush from one story detail to another. Without checking to make sure your employees and clients are following along. They are having trouble keeping up. After a while, these listeners aren’t following along, at all.
- Also, you have so many details to cover in so short a time, that you do not storytell at all. Instead, you talk a lengthy list of facts, statistics and other details at your audience. Instead of engaging them in a conversation directly related to their needs.
When you rely on complex story details in startup pitches, lectures, presentations and speeches, listeners lose interest.
Consider that the purpose of storytelling is to make a series of points, simply, concisely and innovatively. And pull the listener into your story, because they “see” themselves within the stories you tell. By leveraging your storytelling details, you catalyze decision makers to think about their status quo, differently. And take action to move forward, beyond what is comfortable. Towards what is possible.
Is it time to deconstruct the complex stories you tell? And, instead, create the stories that your clients really need to hear? About the stuff they really need to know. Via less complex, more simple stories, well-told and easily understood by everyone sitting around the storytelling table?
Then, click on this link and let’s get started translating your complex stories into insightful, impactful, and compelling stories which decision makers cannot wait to become part of. Today, Tomorrow and Future-Forward.
Planning your next team, corporate or association meeting? Searching for a one-on-one catalyst to get you unstuck? Engage me to present a One Millimeter Mindset ™ program! Delivered virtually or in-person. Contact me here.
Babette Ten Haken | Change Catalyst | Purpose-Driven Professional Innovation | Cross-Functional Team Leadership | Trust-Based Client Retention | In Person & Virtual Speaker, Consultant, Coach, Author |
Babette Ten Haken is a refreshingly extroverted STEM professional and skeptical thinker focused on intentional innovation. She helps people, teams and organizations make hard calls when designing products, services, careers and cultures. These are not easy conversations to have. Her ability to translate cross-functional conversations between left-brain and right-brain thinkers provides different pathways for behavior, response, insight and collaboration. Think of the strategic business and human capital value of moving beyond avoidance or group-think, together. Instead, let your creativity, critical thinking, and leadership skills co-develop together, one millimeter at a time. She is a member of ASQ, SHRM, PMI, and the National Speakers Association. Her playbook of cross-functional collaboration, Do YOU Mean Business? is available on Amazon.com. Contact Babette here. Image source: Adobe Stock
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