How can you use storytelling to connect with others at networking events?
Networking events can be challenging for many people, especially if you don't know how to start and sustain a meaningful conversation. You might feel awkward, nervous, or bored, and miss out on valuable opportunities to connect with others. But there is a powerful tool that can help you overcome these challenges and make a lasting impression: storytelling. Storytelling is the art of using narratives to engage, persuade, and inspire your audience. In this article, you will learn how to use storytelling to connect with others at networking events and boost your personal and professional growth.
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Loretta Green-WilliamsFounder-Chief Executive Director | Cultural Anthropologist | Certified Human Rights Advocate | 2023 Recipient of the…
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Cris MoutellaTorne-se sua melhor versão | Mentora de Carreira e Recolocação | Orientadora para Transição de Carreira…
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Tom HorseyBusiness Angel and very early stage VC investor (MVP+). Co-founder at StartupLabs Spain/Malta & Eoniq.fund
Storytelling is not just a way of entertaining people; it is a way of communicating your values, passions, and goals. When you tell a story, you reveal something about yourself and invite others to relate to you. Storytelling can help you build rapport, trust, and credibility with your listeners, and make them more interested in what you have to offer. Storytelling can also help you stand out from the crowd and differentiate yourself from the competition. By sharing a unique and memorable story, you can capture the attention and curiosity of your potential clients, partners, or employers.
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When telling your story, establish a context setting, which means your story should connect to your constuct. It should support the purpose of your discussion while painting your truth within the purpose of your presence. Consider why you are telling the story. Do you want to motivate, to encourage, or to enable?
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A story reveals a lot about who you are and why you are! And life incidents - both good and bad - and how we respond to them - from the smallest to the more profound ones have a way of connecting us with the other party!
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A good story helps break down the general nervousness and apprehension that usually occurs at events like these. It helps break down these barriers and allows people to be more receptive to opening up. A good story turns a stuffy networking event into a more personal and comfortable conversation that allows for us to truly connect.
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Toda história instiga a curiosidade dos ouvintes, desde que os envolva nas emoções da narrativa e ofereça informações que eles não têm.
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Storytelling is the best way to connect with the audience. It let people understand you on a bit personal level. And when the connect, it help you build trust and connection with them.
The first step to using storytelling at networking events is to choose a story that is relevant, authentic, and compelling. You want to choose a story that showcases your skills, achievements, or values, but also connects with the needs, desires, or challenges of your audience. You also want to choose a story that is true to your personality and style, and that reflects your personal brand. A good story should have a clear message, a catchy hook, a logical structure, and an emotional impact.
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Gosto de contar histórias verdadeiras da minha vida, de clientes e de pessoas próximas, que mostrem desafios semelhantes aos da situação que preciso. Saber que outras pessoas já vivenciaram problemas semelhantes e como resolveram é inspirador.
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An important aspect of networking is being remembered, having an interesting story to tell, both helps people remember you and informs them of who you are, and what you do. Personal anecdotes often help in this respect.
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I disagree with the way this opener about showcasing "your skills, achievements". This is not about selling or promoting yourself. It is about sharing the human in you and as part of that your values, purpose and yes achievements (in that order) pops out - that is great! A story that reveals as many of your attributes - good, bad, ugly - will resonate and stick with the recipient.
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This is an authentic way to make a lasting connection at a networking event. Being true and sharing our stories is memorable. It helps those we encounter recognize us for the people we are vs just the product or service we sell. Knowing the people at the heart of a business is always more impactful than the business alone.
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Storytelling is a potent tool, but selecting the right story can be just as crucial as how you tell it. Your audience's needs, desires, and challenges should be at the forefront of your mind. Choose a story that mirrors their experiences or aspirations. A story that resonates with your listeners is more likely to captivate their attention and forge a connection. In addition, every great story has a message—a takeaway that lingers with the audience. Determine the core message you want to convey and ensure your story reinforces it. Whether it's perseverance, innovation, or teamwork, your message should be evident throughout your narrative.
The second step to using storytelling at networking events is to craft a story that is concise, clear, and captivating. You want to craft a story that can be told in a few minutes, without losing the essence or the details. You also want to craft a story that is easy to follow, without confusing or boring your listeners. And you want to craft a story that is engaging, without being too dramatic or exaggerated. A good story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end, with a clear conflict, resolution, and lesson.
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Storytelling is an art form that weaves together words and emotions, captivating your audience and leaving a lasting impression. The perspective from which you tell your story matters. You can opt for first-person, where you are the protagonist, or third-person, where you observe and narrate someone else's experience. The choice depends on what feels more authentic and relatable for your audience. Set the stage for your story by describing the time and place where it unfolds. The setting should be vivid and evoke sensory experiences. Transport your listeners to the moment, allowing them to immerse themselves in your narrative. Finally, whether you're the central character or there are others in your story, character development is key.
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It’s always evident when someone is not being truthful so be sure to be honest in your storytelling. There is nothing wrong with being enthusiastic, but make certain not to mistake this for exaggeration.
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Four words are key to really good storytelling “ once upon a time “. If you start with that you can never go wrong. Whats more those words bring enchantment, mystery and intrigue!
The third step to using storytelling at networking events is to deliver a story that is confident, expressive, and interactive. You want to deliver a story that showcases your voice, body language, and facial expressions, and that conveys your enthusiasm and passion. You also want to deliver a story that adapts to your audience, context, and purpose, and that responds to their feedback and reactions. And you want to deliver a story that invites your listeners to join the conversation, and that leads to further questions and discussions. A good story should have a strong opening, a smooth transition, and a powerful closing.
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Storytelling should never be all about you. It’s an exchange to welcome your audience in and make a memorable connection to be a good storyteller. You must understand where your audience is coming from put yourself in their shoes, so you know how to be relatable.
The fourth step to using storytelling at networking events is to follow up on a story that is relevant, authentic, and compelling. You want to follow up on a story that reinforces your message, value proposition, or call to action, and that reminds your listeners of the benefits of working with you or learning from you. You also want to follow up on a story that shows your appreciation, interest, and respect, and that builds a long-term relationship with your listeners. And you want to follow up on a story that creates opportunities for future interactions, collaborations, or referrals. A good follow-up should have a clear purpose, a personal touch, and a timely manner.
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A story, done right, helps your message be remembered. They key when networking is having a game plan for your time - and that includes what stories you tell, where, when and why. A random story (winging it.... which most people do when networking) can overwhelm and cause you to loose your 'audience'. (Listener you are 'networking' with) In contrast, a good story, well presented can quickly increase your credibility - which leads to a positive outcome.
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One consideration is to share a story about someone who’s work you admire. The story doesn’t always have to be about you sharing others story in an encouraging way can help not only connect with those who are talking to, but help expand everyone’s network we can learn to lift others through telling our own stories, but also through sharing others.
The fifth and final step to using storytelling at networking events is to practice storytelling regularly and consistently. You want to practice storytelling to improve your skills, confidence, and impact, and to discover new stories and insights. You also want to practice storytelling to test your stories, get feedback, and refine your message and delivery. And you want to practice storytelling to prepare for different scenarios, audiences, and goals, and to overcome any challenges or obstacles. A good practice should have a realistic setting, a constructive critique, and a positive attitude.
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When was the last time you read the story of Cinderella? Many many years ago. Yet, you can tell that story even today. This is the power of story telling. Imagine you are at a sector specific networking event which is heavily attended by your target audience. But you are not the only savvy one around. Your competition is also aware of this event & before you know it, there are at least 10 of your direct competition at the event too. Now think about your target client. After meeting more than 10 companies who claimed to solve their problems, who are they going to remember? The card pusher? Or the one whose company started trading in 1956? Or the one who told the story of a similar client that they had helped? You know the answer.
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Getting feedback from the audience on what resonated and what fell flat is really important. Sometimes we keep telling the same story because we feel it works but the audience may not feel it. Conversely a small nugget of the story may have hit home and that can open up doors to amplify that going forward!
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Story telling is the power tool it’s Connect more audiences.if you have have successfully stories about you craft it share it in a beautiful way it’s reach lots.
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I actually run a program where I teach senior leadership and business owners the step by step guide of how to tell their story to their target market.
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Storytelling conveys values and passions strongly when it is done right. Avoiding complexity, marketing yourself, and hypocrisy is the key to success. Keep your story brief, passionate, and audience-specific. Practice seamless delivery, stay on topic, and interact with various methods. Get feedback to improve your storytelling. Remember, storytelling should always be simple, relatable, and memorable to connect with others and convey your message.
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