The moral of your story
Each decision you made along this story journey revealed a personal insight.
You’ve got charm! You’ve got stage presence! You’re in control! You just wish that you felt as good as everyone says you look.
When you dig deep to find your stories, you will make stronger connections with your audience … and yourself. As you practice your storytelling skills you will gain a sense of presence within the story, with yourself and with your audience.
You’re ready to expand your skills and add some new material to your repertoire.
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. Performer’s Glory
Maybe you haven’t pushed yourself much to take many storytelling opportunities. The next step in your story journey is stepping onto the stage! You know it’s a leap, but you gotta leap to learn.
PATH TO TRY: Maximize the value of your next performance opportunity by answering the following questions:
Pre-performance
- My goal at this performance is to work on: _________
Post-performance
- Two things I did an excellent job of at this performance were: _________
- Two ideas I have that I want to try next time are: _________
5. Story Power
You want to start out in a safe space with a warm audience and expert feedback. A little recognition of your efforts (after all, you’re going to put yourself out there!) will help you to progress. Captivating, persuasive storytelling is truly multi-faceted. You’ll need everything above… and to be done in a way that opens hearts and minds, you’ll need expert guidance on EXACTLY how to make it happen.
PATH TO TRY: A skip-the-fluff, results-oriented, community-based container of awesomeness that will teach you to express yourself clearly and powerfully, gain real respect from the audience you’re trying to reach, and to feel at home on stage: STORY POWER™! If you’re reading this, you’re very likely meant to join us… so adventure on, hero.