- They don’t listen
- They don’t remember
- Nothing changes
Those problems are your problems because:
- Your message isn’t getting across
- You can’t move forward with change
- You’re ineffective in your role
Those all relate back to the influence you have on the people around you. Your lack of influence isn’t the fault of the people you’re talking to. It’s your fault.
- You’re not engaging
- You’re not memorable
- You don’t inspire action
The one skill that can make the biggest difference to that:
Storytelling
In the 1950’s Lee Kuan Yew was one of many politicians pushing independence and development. He had made little progress until he started speaking about his vision as a story of change.
In 1965 he gave a famous speech at the Narayana Mission in Sembawang.
‘This country belongs to all of us. We made this country from nothing, from mud‑flats. It is man, human skill, human effort which made this possible. You came, you worked— for yourselves, yes. But in the process, your forefathers and my forefathers who came here: we built this civilisation. … Over 100 years ago, this was a mud‑flat, swamp. Today, this is a modern city. Ten years from now, this will be a metropolis. Never fear.’
Lee Kuan Yew used concrete images, shared history and vision to tell a story that his listeners could relate to. It wasn’t about concepts; he made it real by talking about the mud-flat swamp and relatable by taking about the forefathers of the people in the audience.
Lee Kuan Yew became known as the architect of Singapore’s identity and transformation.
Imagine how much more effective you could be if more people listened and remembered your message, if more people acted on your words.
When you’re talking to individuals and groups don’t just talk about concepts. Use stories as examples to make ideas concrete and relatable. Include the people you are talking with so they share in your vision.
Stories have the power to make you far more effective and influential.
