Story telling in it's own is the best way to captivate people you work with every day. Telling them of stories past of your work and the funny experiences that helped you motivate people and make work interesting. I gave a motivational speech once and I wanted the guys I worked with to feel a big part of what I had to say. The team members and supervisors and many other people did not realize I had this talent. It was through this speech that I gained much respect as a co-worker and friend to many there. The hardships and expectations of what I expected from my job and the people I worked with were always a challenge but it was one that I was willing to challenge myself as a person.

I always felt good about my abilities as a story teller. Positive stories that meant a lot to me and I wanted them to feel that way too. I was asked to speak at our company luncheon on the subject of, "Helping a co-worker realize their potential". I thought for days leading up to the event on my delivery. I spoke confidently and delivered my speech to about five hundred co-workers and twenty management heads. I compared myself to the new employee and the problems they face every day on the job. Though parts were very funny and captivating the message was never lost in the story I wanted to express.

My story was of a new man coming in to our company. The fly on the wall perspective that I thought was funny on the way management tends to be a little over reactive when handling new employee problems. Then during the story it shifted to what we expected of the new employee and how do we make them feel welcome and part of the company. To find a employee of good quality and work ethic that could help the company go far in the market place. I spoke on how a employee may feel lost and out of place and this should never happen. If the new employee feels lost and has no idea as to his job title and duties then we as a company have failed the new employee and the respect will be lost between employer and employee. To have the new employee involved in every aspect of the job by team members is essential for the company build on and make the company a success.

I explained through my personal experiences when I was a new hire with the company. The funny struggles and mistakes I made through the first year. I stayed on the points I new were every one's weakness that sat in the dimly lighted banquet room. I knew if I stayed on a topic that everyone could relate to, the points I presented would have a better chance of acceptance. It was this story line told by a third person, fly on the wall with humor that kept the employee's attentive and laughing at the same time.

It was a good night. I shook hands with a many of the dignitaries and the CEO of the company wanted me to write his next luncheon story. I declined his offer for the simple reason I liked my job and what if the next story flopped. If you have a good story. You should not hesitate to tell your version on how you see things. You can be respectful with your words but at the same time you can bring problems out in to the open with a good story. Telling a story on the golf course when you are playing a client or a co-worker can have the same effects as public speaking. Many deals and businesses have been done and proclaimed successes through story telling and through people that want to hear what you have to say.

Learn more about this author, Rex Coker.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Storytelling as a leadership development tool?
We want to hear your view. Write now!