Turn every gathering into your stage with tales that thrill and connect.
Boring is boring, and I walk away from boring people.
Do you know the types? It’s the ones that never have a story to tell.
Normies usually gravitate to where the action is happening.
And I’d like to illustrate this with yesterday’s May Day lunch – full of action, it was.
Each story, told by different peeps around me, brought laughter, sighs, and rounds of applause.
It struck me.
The most engaging people at any party are always the best storytellers.
And, truth be told – they are all successful too.
The dilemma of dullness
It’s sad but true, most boring people just don’t have what it takes to be successful.
Maybe they have a story to tell, but just don’t know how.
Imagine you’re at a crowded networking event or a lively party.
I want you to think about who really grabs your attention.
It’s never the ones who just rattle off dry facts about themselves or their business – boring!
Nope, it’s the storytellers.
They bring something unexpected to the table.
Like at lunch yesterday, someone had a story of the tomahawk steak that fell in his lap – he had a boner. It was awkward, hilarious, and so vivid that everyone listened, laughed, and remembered.
OK, not the best example. But it goes to show, that if you stick to just the facts… not adding any flavor or memorable moments, you’ll blend into the background.
The stark truth is this: without a compelling narrative, you’re just another forgettable face, blending into the sea of countless others vying for attention.
And forgettable faces are not successful faces.
Being forgettable will cost you!
So there I was, halfway through my salad, when someone brought up a tragic dating story.
The person telling the story had prepared what they thought was a charming spiel to impress their date.
However, it turned out to be as engaging as watching paint dry.
They stuck to clichés, rehashed old pickup lines, and delivered everything in a monotone voice that could put a caffeinated squirrel to sleep.
It was so lacking in zest that it became the highlight of our lunch for all the wrong reasons—even the metaphorical dust settling around seemed more lively in comparison.
My mind at the time was repeating, “Erase from memory.”
Pretty brutal, right?
You know, logic is pretty clear on this. People don’t suffer from memory loss. No, they just employ “boring loss”, they’re not going to invest in you, not a single dime.
If you can’t hold the attention of a few people around a table, how will you captivate a room full of potential investors or influential folks at a party?
Being forgettable?
It’s like you never even showed up. In the game of life, that’s basically a dead end.
What stories to prepare for your next party?
Alright, let’s solve this. How do you make sure you’re the one they remember?
I suggest to have a quiver of stories. Here are a few types of stories that can come in handy at any party!
1. Roots story
Here you want to go back to the seed that started it. Maybe you saw a problem nobody was fixing, or you had a moment of inspiration while backpacking through Asia—whatever it is, make it personal and powerful. Why your journey matters, not just what you do – is what you want to share.
2. Hero story
People love rooting for a hero. Craft a story where you or your product solves a big problem. Highlight the challenges and the victories. For example, maybe your app saved a small business from paperwork hell. Show how you’re the hero in that scenario.
3. Family story
These are great for connecting on a more personal level. Talk about how your grandmother’s recipes inspired your food startup or how family road trips sparked your love for sustainable travel. It’s about tying your personal life to your professional passion, showing that your work is more than just a job.
Mix these up depending on your audience.
If you’re talking to potential investors, lean on your origin and hero stories to show your drive and success.
At a family barbecue? That’s the perfect place for your family story.
By tailoring your story to your audience, you’ll keep them hanging on your every word.
Tools to tell your tale
So, how do you get started with these offbeat stories? Game time is on!
Here’s my 2 cents tactics to get you started:
1. Start, middle, and end
Bizarre or not, your story success, hinges on a robust framework. Start by setting the stage – give context. Then launch your audience through the critical events. Conclude by reflecting on what you learned or how things concluded.
2. Make it touch base
Anchor your narrative with feelings that everyone shares. Even if your audience hasn’t matched moves in a corporate dance-off, they understand the thrill of stepping out of their comfort zone to lighten the mood.
3. Get ready, get set, and shine!
Fine-tune your rhythm and expressions. I want you to be contagious excitement! To make your audience feel like they’re part of the action, right there in the moment with you. However, you’ll only get there with practice.
4. Animate with gestures
When you tell a story, don’t just use your voice; let your hands do some of the talking too. For example, if you’re recounting your encounter with a squirrel in the park—don’t just say it was nuts. Show how it frantically scampered up the tree, with your hands mimicking the chaos!
5. Stay inspired
Constantly gather new anecdotes and fresh storytelling angles. Life never stops throwing us odd, touching, or humorous moments—embrace them! Each story enriches your personal and professional identity.
Go forth you! Now you’re set to forge narratives that not only grab attention but also endear you to your listeners.
Final thoughts
I’ll say it again – I’m not a time giver for boring people.
Any encounter you have, that’s your stage and your moment to shine.
And, avoid being Bobby Bore at all costs. Now no need to be a bull sh7tr.
You still need to be you and real!
I’m asking you to be the one who brings laughter, insights, and maybe even a few tears.
Let’s get it on!
Start shaping those standout stories today.
Unlock the power of your story—Free consultation available!
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Plus, mastering your body language can make your stories resonate even more. Ready to craft the right message for every situation?
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