Tell the Story…

Have you ever noticed the attention that a good story gets from those listening to it? Secondarily but still effective, the popularity of a great book that tells a story. I’ll never forget my introduction to author John Grisham. The 2nd book he wrote was called “The Firm” and I finished it in less than 2 days. I have yet to read a book faster than that one but what an incredible story he told throughout the pages. Apparently, just under 2 million other people who bought the book, helping boost it to the New York Times Best Seller list, felt the same way.

But what about the spoken word? The vast impact that a talented speaker can have on others. Those that I’ll name here had a positive impact but this great skill can be used for evil as well which was demonstrated for us during WWII. These heroes include people like Winston Churchill, Socrates, Amelia Earhart, John F. Keedy, Margaret Thatcher, Martin Luther King, Jr., and the most influential speaker who taught through parables, Jesus Christ.

What can be learned from these heroes of history? A few really important items:

    1. Work on and perfect your craft. Spend the necessary time and energy to get better no matter what level you are at currently
    2. Stories sell! They sell products, services, internet likes, and grow your influence
    3. Study the greats by listening or watching audio and video as well as studying what has been transcribed into text

Maybe you can’t be JFK, but you can be a better version of yourself which will produce powerful results in your presentations, sales, and relationships. And don’t forget, even if your title does not include the word ‘sales’, everyone is in sales. Negotiations, discussions, mediations, invitations, and a half dozen other words are all fancy, sophisticated ways to say…you’ve got it, SALES. To help someone see the picture as clearly as possible…

Tell the Story!