3 Ways to Use Stories to Inspire Others: My “Teen Fiction” Moment

Last week I spent several weeknights awake much later than normal—all because of a book. On Wednesday night, when the clock hit 11:30, I noticed, for the first time, the library coding on the book in my hands: “Teen Fiction.”

A trusted friend had told me I had to read the Hunger Games trilogy, and she was right. Not only am I down to the final book in the trilogy, I’m enjoying it so much I’m willing to sacrifice sleep for it.

This experience has also helped me remember the power of stories.

Stories inspire. Stories sell. Stories engage. Stories connect generations, personalities and cultures. They come from our source of self-expression and reach others in the heart of emotion and intuition (our primitive limbic brain). Our colleagues, clients and community are hungry for stories.

Stories strengthen connections because of their emotional resonance and credibility. They draw people in because they provide a glimpse of who we are as humans as well as leaders. Each of us has stories we can tap into if we know how and where to look. All it requires is conscious effort.

Here are 3 steps to get started:

1. Curate good stories. My uncle Mark is the best storyteller I know. Several years ago, I remember hearing him captivate a group with stories. I thought, “I could never remember that many stories!” He told me his secret is to make it a priority. I’m a much better storyteller today because I decided right then that I would work at it.

I’ve realized there are two keys to effectively collecting stories: One is remembering them; the other is noticing them. Did I think seeing “Teen Fiction” on my library book at 11:30 at night was a “story” when it happened? Not at all. But the next day I laughed at myself and realized this brief experience makes a point.

2. Practice with low stakes. Despite my slight embarrassment over the sacrifices I’ve made to get through my teen fiction, I’ve told many people about it. In casual conversation, I’ve referenced my story.

Question: “What have you been up to?”

Answer: “Well, let me tell you about my late nights recently…”

Question: “How have you been?”

Answer: “Tired. It’s because of this book…”

Telling the story makes mundane conversation more interesting and it helps me consider the resonance of my story! I get better at the delivery every time I tell the story as I realize where to pause for effect and which details matter.

3. Use stories to influence. Recently, I spoke to a large group of people. While I presented research data along with some of my own opinions, I shared several personal stories. Many people approached me afterwards to tell me of their own connections to my stories. My stories made the lasting impression, not to the research data or my opinions.  Check out the presentation here.

When stories are delivered with sincerity and make a relevant point, especially when they require some personal vulnerability, they move others to action.

Whether we are raising money for a cause, raising a child or raising the bar for our team, our stories influence.

Where are you trying to build influence? What experiences could be used as a compelling story? What’s your “teen fiction” moment?

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