Adding a human touch to business storytelling

“I don’t dare to tell an emotional story to a business audience. I don’t wanna be perceived as unprofessional”

If that’s in any way you, you’re not alone. That’s a concern I hear in almost every single workshop. Many people worry that their coworkers or customers will think of them as unprofessional, over the top, or not focused on the task.

But here’s the thing:

People at work are just like people outside of work — they want to feel a connection, laugh, and be inspired.

They are not any different.

So, why not bring some excitement and emotion into their average workday?

Here are my two favourite ways to add emotions to your stories:

1) Share the inner dialogue

Inner dialogue refers to the thoughts that the character is having in crucial moments of the story. The average human has 6,200 thoughts a day, many of which are anxious, obsessive, and impulsive. By sharing some of these thoughts, you can bring your listeners into the emotional moment and make them feel a part of the story.

What does the character fear, worry, dream, hope, or plan in key moments of the story? For example, “Ah, I can’t believe I did this. Everyone will think I’m a failure…”

2) Be vulnerable

As Mark Manson, author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck put it, “Vulnerability is consciously choosing to not hide your emotions or desires from others.”

Being open about your imperfections and admitting mistakes can be difficult, but it’s also one of the most effective ways to build trust with your audience. Your buyers or coworkers aren’t looking for a superhuman to solve all their problems. They’re looking for someone qualified and trustworthy. By admitting your weaknesses and owning your mistakes, you’ll make yourself more relatable and trustworthy.

Incorporating emotions into your business storytelling can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By sharing the inner dialogue and being vulnerable, you can connect with your audience on a deeper level and make your message more impactful. Give it a try and see the difference it can make in your storytelling.

Much love!

Philipp

Founder of Power of Storytelling

PS. Are you ready to take your transform your storytelling skills? Then join us now in the upcoming Business Storytelling Academy. In the 4-week hands-on program, you’ll learn the secrets on how to use storytelling to motivate teams, influence internal stakeholders, and build more meaningful relationships. There is only 1 spot left. Don’t miss your chance and sign up now!