The moral of your story
Each decision you made along this story journey revealed a personal insight.
Niggling fears plague you (“I’m boring!”, “My voice is shaking!”), but your audience wants and needs hear your voice. In fact, you’re often complimented on your presentations and talks. You have what it takes. A little expert guidance would uncover stories that would bridge gaps and make connections. You want to know what stories your audience needs to hear and to express them eloquently.
Here are 5 customized recommendations based on what might be holding YOU back:
1. Mindset
When you get up to speak in front of a crowd, you sometimes feel nervous. Maybe your heart starts to race or your palms feel sweaty. This might stop you from stepping onto the stage or speaking on a podcast. Developing your own pre-performance ritual will help you feel grounded and harness the power of your nerves. After all, your nerves are there to serve you.
PATH TO TRY: Deep breathing triggers a relaxation response. My favourite breathing exercise is called 4-7-8. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds and exhale for 8 seconds.
2. Core 7 Stories for Business
You might think you don’t have any stories to tell or you’re not sure what parts of your life are story-worthy. Crafting your Core 7 Stories for Business will build your story crafting skills and help you clarify your messaging. You will have a story for every occasion. Most importantly, crafting your Core 7 Stories will show you the many ways your story matters.
PATH TO TRY: Grab my FREE Core 7 Stories for Business guidebook and start crafting your stories!
3. Responsive Speaking
You’re not sure how to make your subject matter interesting. The last thing you want is for your audience to tune out. Here’s the good news: you can build the skills to speak in a way that keeps your audience connected to you and your message. By letting go of a rigid speaking approach, you will find your speaking flow.
PATH TO TRY: Learn to listen with your eyes. The next time you speak in front of an audience, watch their reactions to you and respond to them.
4. Story Crafting
You know your message. You know your audience. You’re ready to step onto the stage—but wait! You still need to find the perfect story. The story that will amplify your message and make it stick. Learning to craft stories is like learning to ride a bike – you only have to do it once. Imagine having those skills in place. Craft a story for your next event or video and then when the next one comes: rinse and repeat. Stories forever and ever amen.
PATH TO TRY:Two of the keys to amazing stories are images and emotions. As you think about the next story you want to tell, write down the images and feelings that come to your mind.
5. Story Strategy
You’re at a level where cookie cutter approaches to solving these problems won’t do the trick. You don’t have the time to waste. What you really need is expert, one-on-one attention and a bespoke strategy for the specific purpose you have upcoming.
PATH TO TRY: Expert instruction on storycrafting, storytelling, brand messaging, performance, or all of the above: get a personalized “Story Strategy” 1:1 with Jilliane. Our time together can be exactly what you need it to be.