Storytelling: a learnable skill with magical outcomes

Become a better storyteller by thinking about every communication as an opportunity to practice

Author

Ramya Mahalingam
July 22, 2024

I didn’t use to think of myself as a storyteller. I thought my stories weren’t interesting enough, or that I was taking up too much space when I had something to say. Then, nine years ago, I discovered that storytelling isn’t some magical skill that some people are born with. It’s a practice, that like any other, can be honed by getting in some good, well, practice.

So how does one practice becoming a better storyteller? One of the simplest things you can do is to start seeing your communications as stories, instead of as discrete pieces of information:

  • Presenting a market analysis for a new product or service? Consider telling the story of why a particular target user would buy it to substantiate the number

  • Walking through the results of an A/B test for a new website feature? Consider setting it up as a bit of a ‘reveal’, with a little suspense, and the supporting cast of how you got to options A or B in the first place

  • Talking to your boss about your performance review? Consider bringing in a few real-life stories of your work with specific customers / teammates / clients, to highlight the skills you’ve been working on and how far you’ve come since the last review

I use storytelling extensively in my work, both as a communication tool, and (more importantly) to get everyone on the team excited and more engaged. It completely transforms the conversation each time. Storytelling not only helps get a point across, but also reinforces that mythical being ‘executive presence’ that we all seem to be chasing in the corporate sphere (particularly those of us who are less represented around the boardroom).

And through practicing storytelling as a skill, you also practice the act of taking up space in an authentic way, with your authentic voice. It’s a skill that’s dramatically improved my career and life. That’s why I’m starting this newsletter to explore and share some of the strategies and approaches I’ve learned. Subscribe to come on this journey with me and uncover how storytelling could make a difference for you!