about human nature—a need for connection. “A great story isn’t just heard; it’s felt,” he added. “And when people feel something, they act.” T he Storytelling Edge As a speaker myself, Ian’s words struck a chord. I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling, but his perspective brought a new level of clarity. “Speakers are natural storytellers,” Ian said. “But the key is taking those stories and presenting them in a way that continues to sell even when you’re not on stage. Video stories do that. They create
an emotional connection that lingers.” I couldn’t help but think of all the speakers I’ve seen who struggle to connect with their audiences. They often lean on polished presentations or overload their talks with data, hoping to impress. But Ian reminded me that the best talks—the ones we remember— are rooted in authenticity. “Honestly, it’s because they think it’s too big,” he said when I asked why so many speakers struggle with storytelling. “They focus on the grand, sweeping narrative instead of the micro- moments. The story of a small failure, a single interaction, or even a quick revelation can be far more impactful than the entire arc of your career. It’s in
those little, relatable moments where the magic happens.” Small Stories, Big Impact Ian shared an example that stuck with me. He talked about a client who built a successful business but struggled to connect with their audience. Instead of focusing on the client’s big achievements, Ian helped them highlight a small story—how they once failed at something simple, like their first attempt at public speaking. “That story resonated more than anything else,” Ian explained. “Because people could see themselves in it. They felt the fear, the embarrassment, and
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Speaker Life
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