Too often in communications we talk in terms of messages (What are our messages? Can someone send me our messages?). Of course there are ideas we want and need to communicate, but the Blatstein Story Group noticed that in the rush to get out our message, an important component of communication is lost. What’s left, even if it began with the best idea, rings hollow – bits and pieces of “messages” that don’t resonate with anyone.
The crux of the problem is that somewhere, somehow… stories became messages, and telling your story… became delivering your message. We’ve lost the all-powerful ability to captivate our audience. Anyone can communicate messages, but not many people can tell a powerful story.
There’s something visceral in the body that takes place when you’re entranced by a good story. Be it in a film, book or magazine article; seeing it in a commercial; watching a presentation… or just listening to someone sitting at a bar shooting the breeze with the bartender, there is a physical change when a powerful story is told. Your whole body reacts – your ears perk up, your attention becomes laser-focused on the storyteller and you find yourself envisioning yourself in the story. At that moment, the audience transitions from casual observer to active participant. And the storyteller becomes the most powerful person in the room.
This is where a story can spur action. Where your gravitas can compel people to do what you ask.
Let’s captivate your audience. Let’s move people. Let’s get back to storytelling and make great things happen.