Storytelling is the foundation of all human communications. When we meet a friend for coffee, we often share stories about something that happened at work or in our personal life. But for some reason, people are reluctant to use storytelling in the workplace. This reluctance, or lack of understanding on why storytelling is a key communications tool, limits the ability of others to tune in and remember what you’re saying. 

Before we had tweets and text messages, we used storytelling to communicate. Whether it be verbal, written or visual, storytelling was at the core of our communications. 

It’s time to embrace the power of storytelling and harness this key communications tool in the workplace. 

Personal connection

When we share stories, we’re making a personal connection with the other person. Often, we’re watching their body language to see what parts of the story interests them. It doesn’t take much to realize if they’re interested or gauge their emotional response (which is a memory trigger). 

The same can’t be said for watching a boring Power Point presentation that’s heavy on facts and light on emotions or stories. Sure, your audience might remember one or two nuggets, but they’re less likely to walk away and share what they learned with others – as we do when we recall a story.

Memory triggers

Why? Because our brains are hardwired to hear stories. We retain up to 10x more information when we hear it in a story versus someone dumping facts on you. 

When we hear a story that make us upset or want to take action, our brain releases cortisol – making us pay attention. Stories that tug at our heart strings result in a release of oxytocin – causing us to trust and be empathetic. Both hormones help us remember what we heard. 

Think back to a recent conversation you had with a friend. Did they share a story? If so, do you remember what they were talking about? Now think back to a conversation with a co-worker on a project. Did they use storytelling or just jump into details? 

Depending on your work, you may use storytelling (like those of us in communications). But even if you consider your work to be linear (engineering, accounting) I can assure you there’s still an opportunity to use storytelling to help people connect with and remember what you’re saying. 

An example – I know this is a lot of information, but let me simplify what will happen if we don’t do x vs what it will look like if we do x. Then share a story of the two scenarios using the storytelling tools (key messages, emotions, facts, call to action). 

Simplify the message

Here’s the thing with storytelling – the most effective storytellers take time to prepare their story vs winging it. They not only map out their 1-3 key messages (essence of the message they’re trying to convey) but also look for ways to simplify the message. 

Have you ever been in a meeting or attended a presentation where you left feeling utterly confused? The person dumped so much information or the agenda was way too long, leaving you with more questions than answers. 

Now imagine if the person chairing the meeting had started off with a story that was relevant to those in the room and had a clear message. It would help ground you in the meeting, focus on what’s most important and serve as a memory trigger when you left (because the story would stick with you). 

I’m not talking Hollywood style elaborate stories. Rather, thinking of a way to share information in a way that resonates with people

An example – bringing a strategic priority to life. Let’s look at fall prevention in a hospital (pretty common safety goal). Instead of saying, reminder this month is fall prevention month, share a story. Let me tell you a story about a near miss we had this week. We had an elderly patient who was disoriented. The call button was out of her reach, so she tried to get to the bathroom herself. Luckily housing staff walked by the room as they heard her groaning as she tried to get out of bed. They were able to put the call button within her reach and call for help. They stayed with her until nursing staff were able to take her to the washroom. 

This is a short story that helps bring fall prevention to light and the simple steps that can make a big difference. 

I encourage you to think of the stories you can tell in your workplace. Whether it’s at a team meeting, in a presentation or in your one-on-one conversations with coworkers. 

Start by thinking – when this conversation is over what are the 1-3 things I want them to remember. Then think how you can weave one of these messages into a story. This story should be based on your audience’s interest and personal connection to what you’re saying (vs I think this is important, I want them to know, I, I, I). 

Sure, it will take a bit more effort to think through and plan your stories in advance. But isn’t that worth it if it means they leave remembering 10x more information? And who knows, it may even make your meetings and presentations more enjoyable. 

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