Want To Develop a Skill for the Future? This Is an Important One.
Lessons from storytelling that encouraged me to use it more often!
We’ve all heard at least one story that’s etched deep in our memory, haven’t we?
You’re probably already thinking about the one right now.
It could be a story from a book, a movie, a real person, your childhood, or something you saw around. That story has stayed with you is because you felt something strong about it!
Something about it captivated your attention and emotions.
In 2019, I heard a story and I was awestruck by it!
Luckily I had filmmaking skills and I decided to turn the story into a film so that it could reach a wider audience. Till date, it was one of the most satisfying projects I’ve worked on.
Storytelling is an art.
I’m always in awe of amazing storytellers. They remind me of music conductors in an orchestra. They know how to orchestrate a story that hits the notes of human emotion.
Storytelling can be used anywhere, and that’s why it’s such an important skill for the future!
A good story helps you cut through the clutter; we all know there’ll be tons of it!
Here are some of the best applications of storytelling in today’s world:
Job interviews
I’ve switched 3 jobs in 6 years across 3 very different industries.
I’ve always been apprehensive if I’d get hired even though my skills were transferable. Most often I’d be asked “Why the switch?”
The only way I know how to answer that is by sharing my story.
Crafting a narrative about my journey which is authentic and powerful and makes a strong case. While the world is changing slowly and recruiters are looking for current skills over education or past experiences, a good personal story can strike a chord faster.
Turning rejections into stories
I’ve been rejected a bunch of times from colleges and jobs.
It hurt especially when I wanted some more than others. But each rejection gave me a story to tell because of the opportunity that came after.
We can’t control what happens to us but we can control how we use it and why not use it to our advantage?
Creating a personal brand
Creating a personal brand means selling your story to a larger audience.
This is not just a recruiter or a friend or any single person. A brand transcends across many people in the world from different walks of life.
Once you create a personal brand and audience, possibilities are endless.
Content or social media marketing
Content is everywhere in all forms. Podcasts, reels, tik tok, movies and much more.
But at the core of that, the content that goes viral and reaches a large audience is the content that is able to evoke an emotion. It maybe hilarious, sad or just so hard hitting that it’s hard to ignore. It can be a solid story, a great hook, or a strong personal brand with relatable stories.
Social gatherings
Have you ever felt like you have a great piece of news or an incident to share with your friends, but you kill the climax because of your storytelling ability?
I’ve certainly seen others captivating a bunch of people with their stories and wished I could narrate mine like that. Storytelling can help you network and build connections faster! As an introvert, a good story saves me from many rounds of superficial conversation.
So here are my 3 big lessons from storytelling…
The power and reach of a good story is unmatchable
As humans, we’re social beings. We want to share and discuss our stories, especially about deep emotions.
Our brains are wired to respond to stories in a unique way. When we listen to a story, many areas related to language, emotions, and sensory experiences become active.
Today, a story has the power to reach millions of people at once, in seconds, all evoking similar feelings. This is what makes us human and keeps us empathetic.
We should use this to our advantage. But humans are smart and extremely discerning of authenticity, so it’s important to be honest about the craft or reality of it.
Who tells the same story makes a huge difference.
Think of your favourite book or movie and imagine another author or director creating it.
Weird right?
The lens through which each person chooses to tell a story is different. I try to apply this principle in my life where applicable. For example, when two friends recount the same incident, I often find that the narratives differ.
Some skip certain details, some give you every detail, some switch up the order in which the events unfolded, and some might have a different tone while sharing.
Each version shapes a different narrative in your mind about the incident, the people involved, and your subconscious judgment.
Stories contain perspectives.
It’s one person’s way of telling you something. When hearing a story, remember that it may be the truth, but it’s always one person’s version of that truth.
This has helped me broaden my thought process and perspective about everything!
If it stays with you long after you’ve heard or seen it, it’s a good story!
I hear many stories daily, but how do I judge if a story is good?
I often find myself turning to films or books for inspiration, positivity, learning, and entertainment. If a story has the power to stick in your mind and you can recall it when necessary, then that can be a sign of a good story.
A good story hooks you in, drives relatability in emotion or gives you food for thought.
This can also work with people you meet in reality. Certain people stick in your mind even if you don’t get to include them in your personal life. These people might have something unique about them, be sources of inspiration, or teach us something that stays with us.
Storytelling is a unique ability that can truly set you apart in the future. It’s one of those evergreen skills that’s never too late to include in your arsenal!
