Story Tellers

This week in the Wall Street Journal, there was an article about story telling. The article outlined the importance of how couples that are able to share life stories with each other form a deeper bond. The gist of the article is people who know how to tell stories have the ability to connect at a deeper level.

I believe this is true as we try and share stories within our Y families. Here are a few story telling tips from the article.

a.       SETTING: Make sure there are no distractions as you share the story. Eliminate the mundane details from the narrative. For example, don’t share the color of your socks or what you were wearing if it’s not pertinent. Think about who is listening and tailor the story to their interests. And don’t share stories about the hum-drum details of our Y, sharing a story is an invitation to come into the Y world. 

b.       PLOT: There should be action and truth in the story. Every story should have a beginning, a middle and an end. It needs a VOICE and if it’s a personal story you should reveal yourself. Share your emotions and don’t be embarrassed to be vulnerable.

c.      WRAP UP: Stories should be about something meaningful. Make the point of your story clear. Work on wrapping up the story concisely and not meandering the end with useless details. Wait for feedback. The story should inspire and help you connect.

Being an effective story teller is empowering to us because we get immediate feedback in their emotional response. It is also empowering to the listener because it helps them understand and connect with us and with the YMCA in a deeper and more meaningful way. These stories help bring the listener back to the core of why they love and support the Y. In tough times, it helps bind us all together in our shared values and history.  Sometimes I like to share a story about the future. I try and paint a picture of the possibilities of our work. This can help us all visualize our organizational aspirations.

I find that the older I get, the more emotional I get when I share. I told a professional story teller that I was embarrassed because I cried once when I shared a story at a very important Y event. He responded that I should cry, every time I share that story.

If you want to be a more effective story teller – REFLECT on the events of your work and life. REFINE what these events mean to you and finally READ great stories that inspire you and learn from the best!