168. How Story Can Change Everything in Your Career

Story Structure

Understanding the structure of storytelling is crucial for crafting impactful narratives. Matthew Dicks emphasizes the importance of viewing stories as a series of scenes, much like a filmmaker, which can be rearranged for maximum effect. This approach allows storytellers to manipulate the narrative flow, making it more engaging and memorable. Dicks notes, "We don't remember PowerPoint decks, but we remember people sitting at desks opening up quarterly reports and being surprised by what they see" 1. This structured approach helps transform mundane business communications into compelling stories that resonate with audiences.

   

Relatable Stories

Crafting relatable stories is essential for building connections with an audience. Matthew Dicks shares that storytelling is not just about making a point but also about connecting and communicating effectively. He advises using personal anecdotes or metaphors to make stories more relatable and memorable. "The beauty of storytelling," he explains, "is that if you take an actual story or a metaphor from your life and use that in your business story, not only are you communicating more effectively, but you're also sharing of yourself" 2. This personal touch helps audiences relate to the storyteller, fostering a deeper connection.

   

Suspense Techniques

Suspense is a powerful tool for engaging audiences and maintaining their interest. Matthew Dicks explains that suspense is created through the strategic inclusion and exclusion of information, which keeps audiences curious and eager to learn more. He illustrates this with the example of a crossword puzzle, where clues create a sense of wonder and anticipation. "The more information that we sort of drip into a story, the greater the level of suspense," Dicks says, "which creates the greater level of wonder, which means people want to hear more about what we're trying to say" 3. This technique can be applied in business settings to make presentations and communications more engaging and memorable.