Scheherazade's Secret:
Strategic Storytelling
Diane WindinglandSmall Talk, Big Results
Why Stories?
1. Stories are how we think
2. Stories are how we relate
The Brain Connection
People Remember Stories
Pop Quiz
3.14159
Why Stories Stick . . .
Tap into emotions
Concrete
Stories Tap into Emotions
Stories Are Concrete
It’s not about
the statistics,It’s about
the story!
Statistics vs. Story
• Revis family• North Carolina, U.S.A. • $341.98/week• Spaghetti, potatoes, sesame chicken
• From the book “Hungry Planet”
U.S.A. Typical Weekly Food
• Aboubakar family• Breidjing Camp, Chad• $1.23/week• Soup with fresh sheep meat
• From the book “Hungry Planet”
Chad Typical Weekly Food
Or . . .
A picture is worth ____ _____.
A story is worth 1000 pictures!
Maximize Memory!If people remember your story they will remember your message!
Stories Connect
2 Main Ways to Connect
•Similarity –“I’m like you”•Vulnerability –“I’m authentic”
?
When you connect you can convince.
Inspire with . . .Strategic Storytelling
The Hero’s Journey
Current State (What is)
Transformed State(What Could Be)
YOU
“People don’t just buy our shoes, they tell our story”- Blake Mycoskie, TOMS Shoes
