Attraction and Persuasion
stories well, you will increase your ability to persuade and at- tract people. If you can tell a story with a message woven expert- ly into it to illustrate key points, you will be more persuasive. Being a good storyteller can show your boss that you’re more qualified than he might think. Or show your employees that you understand who they are. Stories can have all the impact in the world. What stories from your past can you tell that will strike people as funny? What stories can you relate that reveal your work ethic or how smart you are? Do you have stories that will demonstrate what you can accomplish or what other talents you have? I suggest you craft and practice telling your best stories; the ones that can increase the power of your message. I’ve been on TV for 15 years. And on every show I tell stories with an impactful message rolled into it. Next time you see me on TV or see me on stage, watch for the examples I integrate into my message. Stories have helped me transition from being the shyest kid in my class, who would skip school if I had to do a presentation, to a self-assured public speaker, who can get up on stage by myself and speak to 15,000 people. So what stories can help you make this transition? Whether you are thinking, “This is awesome; I have lots of stories to tell,” or you’re uncertain if you have any good ones, take a moment and list the stories that could be good candidates. Remember you may be looking to share a lesson, overcome an obstacle, illustrate your dedication or hard work, or show how caring you are in a relationship. Take a moment and write what would come after the sentence: “I think there is a great story behind the time I did [fill in the blank].” Then dissect the story for the pieces you want to emphasize and share. When you tell this story to other people, remember to relate it to them, and make them anxious to hear the conclusion so they can benefit from the idea or learn from you. And as you’re doing this exer- cise, keep in mind that enthusiasm and authenticity outweigh perfection and structure almost every time. My storytelling skills were really tested a few years back when my family and I were on vacation in California and we
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