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Lately there’s been a push in the workplace to lessen reliance on the standard presentation format and instead use storytelling to share information, emphasize a mission, or even reinforce a brand. Storytelling is a skill commonly used in the interviewing process, may not initially seem like as natural a fit in a work environment. The truth is, though, audiences often relate better to a compelling narrative, which can lead to great buy-in once they see the supporting data.

An article in Forbes magazine urged that “hiding behind facts” is a way we avoid the risk of letting people know what we think or even admitting that we might see a problem. They said, “Story elevates data by helping to build meaning and purpose to what you’re presenting. When you share a story about how the data was collected or evolved over time, you bring your audience on a journey with you.”

Finding your voice

Think about the way you talk to your friends. Are you funny? Sensitive? Observant? Pull your casual communication style through in your stories- whether telling them in front of a group or writing them in an email. Be clear about intention and purpose and avoid emotion. You might decide to develop the people in your story like characters in a book (the manager- who had been stressed for weeks about the progress on this project, walked into the meeting with a huge smile on her face, and I knew that finally she was pleased.”)

Don’t shy away from the problems

Pointing out the problem sets everyone up to get to the bottom of it more quickly, but from a story-telling perspective it also demonstrates your credibility. George Saunders, beloved American short story author, once advised creative writers: “If you try to deny the problem and write in spite of the problem in a story you’re writing, it is not going to be very good.” Of course, writing an email about a work issue isn’t at all the same as developing a plot with characters and a climax, but don’t shy away from the problem. Use it to draw in the audience, perhaps as a call to action.   

In fact, relaying a problem efficiently should stimulate creative thinking in the audience. Don’t cramp their thinking by crowding language with your own predictions and biases. You can say:

1. This is what’s wrong.
2. Here is an example of how things would go if there was nothing wrong.
3. Explain why this matters.
4. Add any supporting material.
5. Offer possible solutions and invite the audience to add them.

A sample might look like this:

We realized the networking event is now completely full and a lot of people are writing asking if they can still get into it. This demand is a good thing because it’s a testament to how popular the event was last year. We had 30 people then and now have that plus 15 on the waiting list! Is it possible for us to open an online option?

Use your voice, but keep it open-minded

Mary Karr, American poet, essayist, and best-selling memoirist said, “Voice isn’t just a manner of speaking. The writer who’s lived a fairly unexamined life - someone who has a hard time reconsidering a conflict from another point of view - may not excel at fashioning a voice because her defensiveness stands between her and what she has to say.”  When telling a story that is meant to captivate your audience and make them feel like they have a little skin in the game, it is critical to think of their perspective- even if you don’t agree. To get them to give a little, it helps if you do too. Consider these two examples:

Example 1

The date you proposed won’t work for us. We need it done a month earlier or the entire timeline is off. We’ll miss the whole project deadline if you aren’t able to finish sooner.

Example 2

I’m comparing the date you shared to our timeline and am worried that we’re too far apart. Would you mind looking once more? I tried to think of ways to consolidate on our end, but I’m worried that we don’t have the manpower to finish early. This is far out of my own wheelhouse and I’m reliant on another team to help, but they know they can’t start until October. Do you think we could adjust based on that piece? Let me know what you’re thinking.

In Example 1, the speaker can’t seem to think beyond their own need for a finished product. In contrast, Example 2 honors the possibility that this deadline is hard for the other party too. They provide context for why it’s difficult to shift things on their end, even admitting their own limitations. After sharing this background, they ask if the recipient might reconsider their initial estimate, now that they have a better understanding of the situation.

 

Listening as an approach to narrative
In the mid-90s there was a Nickelodeon show for preschoolers called “Blues Clues.” The show starred a blue, animated hound and a 20-something human narrator in a colorful rugby shirt named “Steve.” Young viewers would wait for Blue to drop clues and try to guess from home what she planned to do for the day. Steve, meanwhile, would ask the audience to help him solve these tiny mysteries- even though of course he couldn’t hear their answers. Steve, now in his early 50s, balding, and bespectacled, occasionally posts on his social media using that same strategy to ask open-ended questions such as “How are you doing?” It’s astounding- adults, perhaps former fans of the show- will fill the comment section with extremely personal, reflective responses letting him know they are worried about a health issue or struggling financially. Steve, again unable to hear them, looks deeply into the camera and nods, allowing a long time for them to speak. Sometimes he adjusts his glasses or wipes his brow, nodding again- encouraging them to go on. Recently a young man posted a video, tears streaming down his face and said, “The guy from Blues Clues just asked on Instagram how everyone is doing, and I don’t know… it just made me miss my dad.”

Giving people space to speak is one of the most generous ways to tell a story. When you are sharing a narrative, invite your audience in by giving them a chance to tell you what they think, if they would do anything differently. Coax them on, “I’m especially interested to hear your thoughts” or “You have so much experience here, I’m looking forward to hearing your advice.”