5 Reasons Stories are Powerful Communication Tools

We all grow up with stories. Stories of our family, stories from our friends and stories we read. There are stories we hear at school, at work, on television and in the movies. Stories are everywhere! And while you`ve been around stories your whole life, you also likely realize that stories have been around forever. Stories have been used by cultures since before written language to pass down oral history and teach valuable lessons. Given all of this you may recognize the power of stories, but have you thought about how to harness or how to use that power purposefully in your communications as a leader? Here are five reasons why stories are such a powerful communication tool with the critical linkage for you as a leader - how to think about using stories more effectively to reach your communication goals. But first here`s an important side note: If you are thinking "This isn`t for me, I`m not a storyteller," forget it! There absolutely are techniques to you become a more effective storyteller (that`s another article), but everyone tells stories (regardless of your job title) and choosing to tell more stories more often will help further your communication goals. How can I be so sure? Because we have all told stories our whole livesrnBecause stories are so naturally powerful that when they are selected appropriately they will always help. (The proof comes in the rest of the article, so keep reading). Why Stories are a Powerful Communication Tool Stories make a point. This is quite possibly the simplest and most direct reason why stories are so powerful. Properly selected and told stories can make a point in ways other forms of communication cannot. Stories allow the listener to learn vicariously and discover lessons seemingly on their own. As a leader select your stories carefully and match them to your intended message. Don`t tell stories just "because they are powerful" but because they help you make an important point. Stories make it memorable. Well all remember stories, right? In fact, I guarantee you have stories in your mind that have been their most all of your life. While the mechanics of how stories are memorable is beyond the scope of this article, all that really matters right now is that stories can - and do - help people remember things very effectively. As a leader one of your goals with any communication should be to make it memorable. Using well selected, well timed and oft repeated (even though they are memorable) stories will help people remember your message. Stories make it meaningful. When we hear a story we have a greater context and understanding of a situation. Stories can personalize a message and make us feel a part of the situation. Use stories to create meaning for people. However, remember, not everyone will have exactly the same meaning. That`s OK, as long as you are telling your stories purposefully and making your main message clear. The meaning each person creates helps them remember and personalize the story. Stories create and reveal emotions. Have you ever cried or laughed at a movie, the TV or when reading a book? There is no doubt that stories can create or reveal your emotions. Stories tap into part of what makes us all human. As a leader remember tapping into people`s emotions will help to influence or persuade them. Stories build connections. Think about a social situation where you met some new people. It is quite likely the people you feel the greatest bond or attraction to (not necessarily physical, though perhaps) are those who shared a story with you. All stories can create a bond between the teller and the receiver; however, the strongest connections will be forged by personal, first person stories. As a leader, remember your most powerful stories will be things you share about your life experience - especially a time when you failed or made a mistake. Not only can those stories make your intended point, but they also can build a stronger connection or relationship between you and those you are telling the story to. This brief article only scratches the surface of the power of stories and how you can use them as a leader. However, it does make some important points that - when employed - will help you improve your communication success. Once upon a time, there was a leader who learned how to use stories more effectively . . .