“Freud. Jung. Schlockbauer.” Thus begins my own story of an encounter with a remarkable psychologist you’ve never heard of who was the inspiration behind me becoming a psychologist. It’s also a classic “triple” as master story instructor, Doug Stevenson, would teach me in his workshop: Story Theater. Triples – where the 3rd term is a surprise from the way the 1st two lead your mind, and is a great technique in stories and humor. Doug would know; he has a long and strong history as an actor, director, writer and speaker, and he’s been teaching these workshops for years.
Four students, two instructors, videotaping, expert coaching and critique, and a chance to tell and retell our story…this was one of the most intense and important training programs I’ve attended in 30 years. What are some of the things I learned? Well first, emotions are the fast track to the brain. So when you’re telling a story about yourself, experience the real feelings involved and, once there, hold silence to give the audience time and space to feel them too. Second, if your story has dialogue, it’s much more engaging, rather than describe it, to act it out and be both of the characters in a back-and-forth two step. And finally, good stories “stick the landing” (think: gymnastics) with a “phrase that pays” – something memorable and “sticky.” Mine is simply: “tell your story,” which is what I’m increasingly encouraging the leaders I work with to do.
Tell your story. There’s nothing better for creating authentic, memorable communication that wins hearts and minds than putting a piece of your own story in it. And that’s something leaders need to be able to do. While I don’t do what Doug does – and for a deep dive into developing your story, I can’t recommend his program highly enough – I do help leaders in a very practical way access the right energy patterns for what they need to communicate, and bring their messages to life through the right kind of story. For example, are you leading change and need a call to action? That’s a Driver story, where the right use of detail creates both emotion and a sense of urgency. Or maybe you’re new to your role and want to let your team know what you stand for. This is more of an Organizer-Collaborator story. Rather than recite a boring list of things you’ll do or believe in, make it real and, well, tell your story.
-Mark Kiefaber
