Professional Documents
Culture Documents
INTRODUCTION TO STORYTELLING
“One more time.. just one more time..” was how I begged my mother
when I was a kid to tell me the story of Ijapa even though she had told the
story a million and one times already.
Each night before bed, she’d tell me the story of the greedy tortoise and I
loved every bit of the experience.
Whether or not we’re aware of the fact, we hear and tell stories every
single day.
Different cultures around the world use stories to preserve their heritage.
The Yorubas for one use stories to teach their kids morals.
Why do you think you love that teacher who tells stories over the teacher
who just replicates the voice of the textbook?
Why is it easier for you to read 900 pages of stories over 900 pages of
facts?
You see, our brains are hardwired to love stories. As we connect to the
character in the stories, our brains release oxytocin also known as the
bonding/love hormone. It makes us feel close to the characters.
But..
People would listen to stories better than they would listen to lectures.
Storytelling can help you increase your brand popularity, build better
relationships and communicate your message effectively.
Big brands like Apple use Storytelling to engage their audience and
increase brand loyalty. Infact, Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone in
2007 using Storytelling. You can search for the video online.
If a big brand like Apple sees and uses the Power of Storytelling, then who
are you to not use it?
Storytelling makes people not only like your brand/business but also keep
your brand/business in memory.
Stories are easily remembered. When you use Storytelling in your brand,
you keep your brand in the memory of your audience.
They engaged.
You should have seen how swiftly my lips curved into a smile once I
received an order.
Does your business make you smile the way you ought to?
Swipe up, let show you the exact strategies I used to make my customers
fall in love with my brand.”
Do you think that would work more effectively than “Storytelling is good for
your business. Dm me to know more.”
Hell yeah!
STORIES ARE EVERYWHERE. WHEN AND HOW TO FIND GOOD
STORIES.
How do you find and discover stories that are relevant to your
brand/business?
Don’t stress your poor head. I have a list that can get you going in no time!
1. Have a message and create a story around it. E.g, I own a food
business and I want to sensitize people on healthy eating. I’d create a
story around healthy eating to pass the message.
2. Take events from your personal life. Personal stories are the best
form of Storytelling. This is because they are raw, real, packed with
emotions and relatable. Take only personal stories that are relevant
to your business. If you’re running a wig business, don’t tell us about
how your phone spoilt and you went to replace it. How is that
significant to your hair brand?
Also note: When telling personal stories, don’t try to paint yourself as
some hero or God- this will only make people dislike you.
Tell us how you started your business, the challenges or struggles
you face. What keeps you going?
Don’t communicate 'pity me and buy from me'.
Communicate 'like me and patronize me'
Sho get?
3. Look around you. Search for stories in people, places and things.
Every individual is a collection of stories. Select those that are
relevant to your brand or business.
4. You can find stories in the conversations you have with people.
5. Read books and movies that can inspire you and jumpstart your
imagination and creativity.
6. Childhood experiences.
Let me stress this further- whatever story you’re telling must be relevant to
your brand/business.
2. Appeal to the senses- sight (eye), hearing (ear), feel (skin), taste
(tongue) smell (nose). This will immerse your reader into the story
and make them live it right along with you.
10. Show don’t tell. Don’t tell me a character was angry, show me
that he punched the door violently.
Would you like to connect with me on Whatsapp? Click on this link to get in
touch!
https://wa.link/08ky4v
Go forth and serve your audience with this magical love potion!