Why storytelling might be less complex than some coaches want you to be believe

Read more thoughts on the art of communicating week-daily at https://michaelgerharz.com/blog

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Welcome back to “Irresistible Communication”.

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Two minutes, twice a week.

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No nonsense advice on

leadership communication.

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Contrary to what some storytelling

coaches want you to believe.

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In the end, there's only

one thing you need to really

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understand about storytelling.

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And it's this question: what happens next?

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I mean, of course, you can say

a lot more about storytelling.

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For example, the hero's

journey is a great concept.

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Or the show don't tell

principle is useful advice.

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But in the end, all of that is

optional because the only thing

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that matters is whether your

audience is curious to learn more.

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If you nail that, it doesn't matter

whether it's through the hero's

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journey or some other fancy framework.

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Storytelling really, isn't a mystical

art locked behind gates of complexity.

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At its core, it's simple, straightforward

and something anyone can absolutely do.

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Just tap into your audience's curiosity!

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That's it.

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If your audience wants to

know more, you've nailed it.

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Even if you've never heard of the hero's

journey or any other storytelling formula.

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When your story makes people

sit up and wonder what's next,

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you're telling a great story.

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“What happens next?” Is the only

question you need to ask for that.

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The better you understand your audience's

needs, their desires, their questions,

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the easier, it will become to find a

compelling answer to that question.

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If it's using the hero's

journey, that's totally fine.

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It means you're using it right.

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But if you've never

heard of it, don't worry!

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The more important information

is to know your audience.

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So, what is your audience dying to know?

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Keep lighting the path and

share this with a friend.