storytelling can make a difference!

When someone asks you what you do for a living, how often do you use stories to help paint a picture that will stick in their mind?
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I would venture to guess that most of you rarely use stories if any at all!

Think about this for a minute. When you listen to someone describe to you what they do through a story, you are more apt to have a clearer understanding of what they do, and you have a higher chance of remembering it.
Good presenters are also good storytellers. They often lead off with a story and will usually back most of the important points in the presentation with a story. They do this because they know that stories engage the audience, and they will help the audience better understand and remember the points being addressed.
This tactic should be no different when conversing with someone on the phone or in person. Instead of describing in detail the mechanics and methodology of what you do, try focusing on sharing a story. The listener will not only have a better chance of understanding what you do, but they might also have a stronger emotional connection to why you do it.
You don’t have to be a good storyteller at the beginning, but I can assure you that the more you practice storytelling, the better you will get at it.

Three important tips on storytelling:

1. Make the story relevant to the listener. For example, if you are talking to a prospective client who is in the healthcare industry, use a healthcare-related story.
2. Keep it short and to the point. Don't be like my favorite uncle who will take 30 minutes to tell a story. Those are fine when relaxing over a glass of wine but not for business conversations.
3. The stories don't always have to be yours. You can use a story of one of your colleagues to share what your firm does. 

Give it a shot and see if it makes a difference in the quality of conversations you have, especially with prospective clients who are trying to learn what you do.