Easy as 1-2-3...
Let me tell you a story about telling you a story.
I was recently reminded just how easy -- and tricky -- it is to tell a great story. I was delivering a session about how to create compelling award submissions at the 2014
Training magazine conference.
My storytelling slide has three words:
That's it.
Wait, that's...what?
That's how you tell a great story. Or, at least build the basic foundation of a great story.
Now, I'm not a novelist, playwright or screenwriter. But I DO know how to win awards, and that's by applying this simple formula.
- Beginning - There was a problem, or a challenge.
- Middle - We came up with a solution.
- End - It worked, and here's the results/proof.
I told attendees if they only remembered one thing from my session it should be this. Ah, the satisfaction of nodding heads.
People love easy formulas, especially when they work.
My win record says I'm right, as do my clients.
My
giddy clients' huge smiles at the
Training Top 125 Award gala made my year. They're winners and made dramatic leaps forward because they
conveyed impact - aka told great stories.
And they came in #1, #2 (from #41 in 2013), #19 (up from #68), #30 (up from #101), #35 (making their inaugural splash), and on and on, improving an average 44 spots.
So, how will you apply this winning formula in your work?
As always, for regular snacking,
visit my blog.
Until next time,
deb
"If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten." - Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)
