Storytelling

Inventors, entrepreneurs, marketers, scientists and more have all graced the TED Talk stage. And while I did read Gallo's other book, Talk Like Ted I didn't find it quite as engaging as this one: "The Storyteller's Secret." In this book, he takes us through the journey that many now-famous leaders have walked, using the power of storytelling.

Now more than ever our attention spans are short and competition is fierce! Gallo connects storytelling as the key ingredient for connecting with audienc…

In storytelling and story listening, there is a mutual benefit. You benefit from storytelling because you have the opportunity to influence. You benefit from story listening because you have the opportunity to learn... not to mention to build trust. 

A conversation about storytelling often leads to the "know, like and trust" factor. Recently I thought, "why aren't I sharing about products and services that I know, like and trust?" (Especially those that relate to storytelling.)

After all, I'm …

Subscribing to a YouTube channel is like joining a neighborhood. It's like saying "yes" to seeing each other regularly and having conversations (in the comments).  

It reminds me so much of a community that I feel like I'm channeling Mr. Rogers when I ask, "Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for tips on storytelling."  

Previously, under a different iteration of my business, I created YouTube videos. I learned a lot. I experimented enough to know there's a knack to really taking on YouTube. It ca…

I'm fascinated with human behavior. When I go out into the world and have an experience, I typically end up with a story about it.

Sometimes it's a nugget of inspiration like the other night when I witnessed some amazing performances at an open mic night. Ah, such courage and dedication, I thought as I watched the varied performances. Then there's the head-scratching moments, like when I recently told someone I create animated story video and they said, "I'm not sure who really needs that." Um,…

There's a way to stack the deck in your favor the next time you are conveying an important message. This might be required when you are hiring and onboarding or promoting your next big special offer for your business. 

In order to increase the likelihood of your audience following your direction you add 2 impactful ingredients together. It's kind of like adding two complimentary flavors into a soup recipe - they meld together to form something new and tasty!  

In this case, I'm referring to th…

If you own a business, you have an obligation to tell good stories. As a business owner you, quite frequently, talk to an audience. Whether that's an audience of one or many, it's an audience.

On a daily basis you speak with customers, employees and prospects. Think of the last person you spoke to about work. What category did the conversation fall into?

• Were you in a training conversation?
• Were you in a selling conversation?
• Maybe it was a networking conversation?
  

Because of your posi…

Spoiler alerts! Don’t say I didn’t warn you. 

As a video storyteller myself, I have my favorites in television and film. There are certain shows that feel like friendships to me. When a series I know and love comes to an end, I feel regret because I'll miss seeing my friends!  

Television shows are created, just like the work I do. Basically, it starts with an idea, a strategy session(s) with other people, followed by writing a script and then the visual representation we watch on a screen.  

In everyday conversation we use the word "story" a lot. You might say to a colleague, "Wow, do I have a story for you!" Or maybe your friend says, "I have to tell you my story about the trip." 

But here's the thing...

Sometimes what follows is engaging and interesting. Other times it is a long, drawn-out, wandering trail of words.

If it's engaging, maybe you've been blessed with listening to a natural-born storyteller (there are a few of those out there). But most people could benefit from a …

Not one of us is immune. It's just too easy. We need a crutch. After all, the stakes are high when you stand up in front of a group to pitch your passion. 

Judging Your Pitch Deck 

I once had the honor to be a part of a tech entrepreneur incubator pitch competition. Since I had previously taught public speaking for college students, I was chosen to be a judge of the competition. There were a number of great business business ideas. The concepts covered various sectors of society from nonprofit…