In high school, the in-class assignment that I dreaded the most was essay writing. If we were given a specific writing assignment, I could usually complete it easily in the time allotted. BUT, when the assignment was either too general or entirely open ended (you know, write about whatever you want), I struggled. It would take me 30 – 45 minutes to figure out what to write about. Once I figured out what to write, I would rush to complete the essag. But it was both stressful and frustrating.
The root cause of my problem with essay writing was shyness. I was reluctant to share any information about me, anything that would give others ammunition to pass judgement on me. This thinking also was a component of my stage fright. Fortunately, I figured this out … over thirty years later.
As I worked to overcome stage fright, I studied speaking. I learned that a very effective way to communicate as a speaker was to use stories to illustrate points. At first, I thought, this is not for me. Then I thought, just try it. See what happens. And to my surprise, the experts were right.
For instance, when I speak about the power of changing your mindset to illustrate Walt’s Rule “Just Because You Couldn’t, Doesn’t Mean You Can’t”, instead of telling the story of a famous person, I tell my stories. The stories of how I couldn’t draw, how I couldn’t do mechanical things and how I couldn’t speak in front of audiences. Then I share the steps I took and how I now can draw (notwithstanding the stick figure blog cartoons), I now can assemble furniture and do home repairs, and I now can speak in public.
People don’t make fun of me. They actually say my stories inspire them. Who knew?
How DO you find stories? In the beginning, it may not be easy. Try looking into your past. What lessons have you learned and what is the story that goes with it? What stories can you remember and what lessons might go with them? What are some of your less than stellar moments? The bigger the stumble, the better. Your struggle to overcome it will be much more impressive .
As you begin to collect stories, more stories will surface. Soon you will find stories in real time, as life happens. Similar to the phenomenon I experience every time a get a new car. Before I bought my Blue Silverado, I never noticed them. Once I had one, I saw them often. As you begin collecting stories, more stories will magically appear. The subconscious mind at work.
Capture these ideas in a story folder, a notebook or a file on your computer. Then when you need topic for a speech, a blog or a magazine article, go through your story file.
Finding stories is like working out your muscles. The more you do it, the easier it gets.
I use personal stories in most of the speeches I share on my YouTube channel.
Start collecting your stories.
