How to create simple, powerful stories?

I recently concluded a leadership workshop and one of the participants walked up to me to tell me that he enjoyed the session and mentioned that he may not remember the concepts and the theory, however he will definitely recollect the crux through my stories.

In my mind, I thought, I am glad, it served my purpose. After the workshop, many times, if the participants do not get the opportunity to practice what they have learnt, it would soon be forgotten.

So here is a formula to create a great story connect: 3PA

1. Purpose

You will need to set the context. Create the stage to launch your story. Talk about the background, where the hero grew up. Talk about the time, when it happened. Do not forget to slowly slip-in, the Why. Why is it important for your audience? I am big fan of Simon Sinek’s book Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action. It’s observed that people listen and absorb the story better if the Why is established. E.g: If you listen to this story, it will change your life…. It will change the way you do things…

2. Protagonist

Every story, needs to have a central character- the Hero. Spend some time to portray the hero. Talk about his character, his personality, his life, his family and friends. This will allow your audience to get personal with the character. In the events that will follow, people would start relating it to their lives.

3. Plot

Your Hero will have some twists and turns in his life. Take your audience through them- the good as well as bad. These twists are also the message for your audience. Allow them to experience the emotions and the juice of life! This will get them closer to your character and shall also feel, this is like my life.

4. Anchor

This is most important step in storytelling. Most people stop telling that amazing story just one step before. If you fail to connect it back to the concept, your story can just be, another wonderful story! Like in childhood, every story had a moral, you use this space to link it back to your concept and allow your participants to associate, reflect and draw conclusions.

Storytelling and the way we land the message is an art. It will create miracles for your audience as they feel inspired to face their problems.

Hope this 3PA technique in storytelling helps you to create wonderful stories in your organizations too.