It's easy and convenient to use other people's stories when we're inspired by them. However, some of these stories are old and there are many new ones to be told.
Seasoned audiences are tired and bored of hearing the same stories. For me, the following three stories have been overused:
1. Edison's numerous failures when inventing the light bulb. Also, I've heard some speakers say he failed 1 000 times, while others say it was 10 000 times. (A good reminder to get our facts right if we are using them.)
If Edison invented the lightbulb in 1879 and we're still telling that story as an example of how to try again, then maybe we aren't looking hard enough.
There is no doubt that many inventors and business ventures have failed since then.
2. How many times have we heard about the fully grown elephant that is still limited by a little peg in the ground? I wonder how old that elephant is already?
3. Another overly popular story is about the famous starfish, and how "It made a difference to that little starfish". At which point the speaker is dramatising the scene…
I'm guilty of utilising all of the above as a novice speaker, more than a decade or two ago.
Today, I feel strongly about repetition. Times change. Speakers grow. Audiences move on. New topics trend every day.
This musing can also serve as a reminder to check if your content has a sell-by date?
Be Original
Is your material still relevant today?
We know the art of storytelling is an important aspect of communication as a great story can spice up any engagement. Impactful storytelling is a powerful skill to develop as an influencer.
Be original…you have plenty of your own stories to tell.
Personal examples and unique stories are far more powerful, especially when told as only you can tell them!
You were there and experienced that unique scenario. You express yourself about something of value that we can relate to you with.
Speaking in the first person raises the emotional stakes.
"Dynamic expression of the power within provides the cutting edge in business."
