Pre Story Prep: Elevate Your Communication Game
You might have heard about Pre Call Prep in the context of sales and business development. It’s a simple yet powerful practice where spending just 10 to 15 minutes preparing for a meeting can dramatically improve your outcomes. But here’s the kicker: most salespeople don’t do any or adequate Pre Call Prep. They wing it, hoping their natural charm and wit will carry them through. Spoiler alert—it rarely does.
Leaders, coaches, mentors and even parents miss opportunities in a similar but different way, tied to their communication. When it comes to storytelling, most people just start talking without much preparation. They neglect the power of storytelling and miss golden opportunities to educate, motivate, and communicate effectively through anecdotes and analogies.
The Power of Storytelling
The science of storytelling shows that humans naturally construct stories to make sense of their experiences. When we encounter a new situation or person, we instinctively look for the focal point of the story, identify the struggles and challenges, see who helped and how, and deduce the lessons learned. If our brains are wired this way, why wouldn’t we leverage this in our communication?
What is Pre Story Prep?
Pre Story Prep is about being intentional with your stories. It involves a few key steps:
- Building Your Story Inventory: Start by identifying your “go-to” anecdotes and analogies. These are the stories that resonate, illustrate your points effectively, and engage your audience.
- Understanding Your Audience: Take a few minutes to think about who you’re speaking to. What are their interests, concerns, and challenges? Tailor your stories to make them relevant and impactful for this specific group.
- Crafting Your Narrative: Once you have your story and audience in mind, refine your narrative. Ensure your story has a clear structure: the goal, the struggle, the resolution, and the lessons learned.
Why Pre Story Prep Matters
When you get into the habit of telling stories and building a robust inventory of anecdotes and analogies, you can use five minutes of Pre Story Prep to transform your conversations, presentations, meetings, and other storytelling opportunities. Here’s how it works:
- Increased Engagement: People are naturally drawn to stories. A well-told story can capture attention and keep your audience engaged from start to finish.
- Enhanced Understanding: Stories make complex concepts easier to understand. By illustrating your points with relatable examples, you help your audience grasp and remember your message.
- Emotional Connection: Stories evoke emotions, and emotions drive action. By connecting with your audience on an emotional level, you motivate and inspire them.
- Improved Retention: People remember stories better than abstract concepts or data points. A good story sticks with your audience long after the conversation has ended.
Implementing Pre Story Prep
Here’s how you can start incorporating Pre Story Prep into your routine:
- Identify Key Stories: Think about the stories that have had the most impact in your life or career. These could be personal experiences, client success stories, or even lessons learned from failures.
- Tailor Your Stories: For each key audience you interact with, tailor your stories to address their specific needs and interests. What resonates with your team might be different from what connects with a client or your children.
- Practice and Refine: Like any skill, storytelling improves with practice. Rehearse your stories, get feedback, and refine them over time. The more you practice, the more natural and impactful your storytelling will become.
A Call to Action
Next time you prepare for a meeting, presentation, or even a casual conversation, take a few minutes for Pre Story Prep. Identify the right story for the occasion, tailor it to your audience, and craft a clear narrative. You’ll find that your communication becomes more engaging, memorable, and effective.
In sales, in leadership, in everyday interactions—stories matter. Make Pre Story Prep a habit, and watch as your ability to educate, motivate, and communicate reaches new heights.
Remember, every encounter is an opportunity to tell a story. Make yours count.