Everyday Business Storytelling

Everyday Business Storytelling arms you with a simple story framework that can be applied to any business communication. This practical, easy-to-skim guide helps you choreograph your ideas, data, and insights so it's easy for your audience to quickly understand what they need to know and do with the information. Grounded in theory but smothered in practicality, this book shows you real-world business stories--from the most high-stakes proposals to the "un-sexy" project updates--to help you become a more credible, authentic, influential communicator. Another bonus? Everyday Business Storytelling is filled with clever visual techniques to humanize your story, make it memorable, and drive decision-making. Everyday Business Storytelling is for people in any role, level, or industry This book is for busy, talented businesspeople who must churn out presentations, one-pagers, emails, voicemails, virtual meetings (or any type of business communication). Everyday Business Storytelling will show you how to apply a simple, repeatable story structure to anything you say, send, deliver, or present. Having a structure to kick-start any communication will save you time and provide a common language when collaborating with others. What You'll Learn from This Book Part 1: Once and For All--Let's Unfluff The Reputation of Business Storytelling Before diving into how to craft a business narrative, you'll explore the brain science behind why storytelling is the most effective way to sell your ideas. You'll learn why strategically wrapping your data in a story will help you "cut through the noise" and give you the best shot at getting heard. Part 2: OK, I'm in. How Do I Get Started with Business Storytelling? Learn the four signposts of storytelling and the critical role each one plays. Then discover how to identify and weave in your BIG Idea--the one thing you want your audience to remember--to capture their attention, elevate the conversation, and make your insights actionable. Part 3: Thanks, Got the Basics. What Else Can Help Me? Discover how to craft active headlines that advance your story and guide your audience, see a case study and samples of BIG Ideas that will spark inspiration, and explore five simple design techniques that bring your ideas to life visually. Part 4: Let's See the Magic! How Does Storytelling Show Up in Everyday Business? It's makeover time! See "before and after" examples that illustrate how any type of communication can be transformed--whether you're providing a recommendation or an update, or crafting an email, presentation, or one-pager. Part 5: But Wait! How Do I Flex My Story? Audiences vary dramatically, and your story should meet their specific needs. Learn how to be nimble using a "pivot" strategy, adjust your story for audiences with diverse interests, choreograph a team-built (and delivered) story, and get the ultimate low-down on how to capture attention when meeting virtually. Part 6: All Together Now: Building a Common Language of Storytelling How does storytelling become widespread in an organization? A culture of coaching. Learn the process--and helpful tips--for managers to coach their teams and peers to coach each other.