Storytelling is an essential aspect of speaking as it allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Additionally, it allows you to convey your message in a relatable and memorable way, making it more likely that your audience will retain the information and be moved to take action.
Storytelling also helps you foster an emotional connection with your audience, making your message more impactful and persuasive.
That’s why YOUR story is one of the most vital assets you have as a public speaker, and it should be incorporated into as many elements of your speaking business as possible.
Not only will it help you stand out among your direct competitors, but it will also help you connect with your audience on a deeper level so you can build a loyal following of raving fans.
Unleash the Power of Your Story: How to Leverage Your Unique Narrative to Skyrocket Your Speaking Business
Here are the minute marks that cover highlights in this episode:
What’s in a Story?
(4:24) Everything!
How you reached where you are today will undoubtedly be full of twists, unexpected turns, and learning experiences that shaped you into the already-accomplished person you are.
You might think your story is dull or boring. But trust me; your audience will love it if you tell it in an authentic and engaging manner.
For example, I used to live in Liberia, caught malaria, had our family home burn down, beat smoking after 28 years, raised four beautiful daughters, and went through several failed experiments in the business world before growing Charli Jane Speakers into the successful business that it is today.
Since then, I’ve taught more than 1,000 speakers how to start their business and connect with opportunities through online courses, coaching, and my signature Charli Jane Speakers Club.
My clients come from every industry and range from entrepreneurs to CEOs to politicians to salespeople to real estate agents and celebrities.
The power of my story is what connects me with my clients and allows me to empathize with their challenges and pain points so I can help them overcome them and achieve their goals.
In short, it’s the most powerful tool I have at my disposal.
Why Are You Sitting On Your Story?
(7:10) Despite the power storytelling can have on your speaking business, a surprising number of speakers are afraid to share their own journey.
Maybe it’s because they’re afraid their story isn’t exciting or unique enough, or they won’t be perceived as credible if they share it.
Whatever it is, they’re missing out on a powerful way to connect with their audience and build trust.
You should never doubt the validity of your experiences or think that someone won’t believe you or respect you for sharing your story. It’s what has shaped you into who you are today and makes you unique.
The biggest challenge you will face as a speaker is differentiating yourself. Without incorporating your story into your speaking business, you will have difficulty standing out from the crowd.
So what other reasons do you need to work on your story and share it with the world ASAP?
How Sharing Your Story Helps Transform Your Speaking Success
(8:57) You can use many mediums to share your story with your audience, and you’ll reap the rewards every time you do.
Here are just a few ways storytelling can transform your speaking business:
Become More Authentic and Relatable
(9:17) Authenticity is key in connecting with audiences in storytelling because it helps to create a sense of trust and relatability between you, the speaker, and your audience.
When you’re authentic in your storytelling, you can share your personal experiences and struggles in a genuine and honest way. Additionally, this allows your audience to see you as a real person rather than just an authority on a subject.
Furthermore, authenticity helps to create a sense of vulnerability when storytelling on stage, which can help you build a much deeper emotional connection with your audience.
This emotional connection can make your audience more likely to retain the information and be moved to take action.
Storytelling Demonstrates a Deeper Understanding of Your Subject Area
(10:40) By sharing your personal experiences and struggles, you can demonstrate that you have a deep understanding of the subject matter because you have been through similar experiences as your audience.
This can help to establish you as an expert in your field and build trust with your audience.
When you’re discussing the same problem experienced by those sitting right in front of you, it’s much easier for them to connect with you and your message.
Use examples and case studies from your own experience to support your message – illustrating your wealth of knowledge and experience in your industry.
Storytelling Creates More Engagement
(12:00) Whether you’re sharing a part of your story online in a LinkedIn article or you’re on stage recounting your previous struggles with anxiety, for example, storytelling helps you communicate your message in a way that engages your audience.
Since the dawn of humanity, we have sat around fires sharing tales and stories. It’s one of the oldest social rituals known to man.
Storytelling has stood the test of time because it’s far more engaging than a lecture or presentation. Listening to a lecture or presentation makes your audience more likely to zone out or be distracted.
There’s no passion, no vulnerability, no emotion – just facts and figures being spewed out as if they’re the most important thing in the world.
However, when they’re listening to a story from you, they’re more engaged and are more likely to pay attention and remember the information you’re sharing with them.
And guess which kind of speakers event planners are looking for? That’s right – the ones that engage their audiences the most.
Strengthen Your Brand and Stand Out Among Competitors with Your Unique Story
(14:47) By sharing your personal story in your speaking business, you automatically become a more exciting and unique speaker than your competitors.
I don’t care if you think your story isn’t interesting or unique enough – everyone has a story worthy of being told.
By incorporating your storytelling into all elements of your speaking business, you will automatically stand out among your competitors and attract more attention and bookings as a result.
If you would like help leveraging your unique story to secure more speaking gigs, don’t hesitate to sign up for the Charli Jane Speakers Club.
From thousands of leads at your fingertips to step-by-step training on becoming a successful speaker, the Charli Jane Speakers Club will help you build your dream business as a public speaker.
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Resources & Links
The Charli Jane Speakers Club – Learn more.
If you’re ready to get on more stages you’re in the right place! We provide members with 5,200 – 10,400 speaking opportunities a year! Yep, you heard that right! There is something for everyone.
I also created a program called The Booked Solid Success Path. It goes hand-in-hand with the speaking opportunities. Plus, an amazing community and more!
Episode 140: The best way to manage and organize your speaking leads.
The Breakthrough Public Speakers Community – Join us here.
My team and I are inside this community helping you, encouraging you, and supporting you through your speaking journey… along with 3,000+ speakers!
I hope you enjoyed the training episode.
Every week I release a new training episode to help you launch and grow your speaking business.
Keep Inspiring! – Wendi xo
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Meet Wendi McNeill
As the Founder and Owner of Charli Jane Speaker Services®, Wendi has been “Opening Doors of Opportunity” for speakers since 2002.
Charli Jane Speakers provides speakers with support, exposure, tools, tips, speaking and media leads, coaching/learning programs, and much more to assist them in growing their speaking business. Learn more about Wendi
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