Stories have the power to grab and keep your listener’s attention. They pull people into a conversation, helping them remember you and your message long after the interaction ends.

Stories don’t have to be elaborate, they need to have purpose and impact. They originate from the lessons we learn, or interactions we experience every day.

The key to conveying those experiences in a compelling, influential story takes three steps.

1. Current State

Start where your experience occurred. Maybe it was on a plane, or in a boardroom, at a store, or in a meeting.

Let the current state provide a visual that grabs your listeners attention, imagination and engagement.

2. Defining Moment

This part of your story is the journey for your listeners. It should grab their attention and leave them wondering where your story is taking them.

3. Outcome

Conclude your story with an impactful point, or moment, you want listeners to tie directly to your topic. It should be the bridge that transitions your listener from the story to the takeaway you want them to remember most about your time together.

This week, make a commitment to experimenting with adding stories during your meetings to grab attention and to inspire your listeners to act on what you have to say.

Podcast: Relevant Leadership

Check out our Research on Influence in conjunction with the University of Northern Colorado HERE.

Influence Research

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1. Turn on your webcam. We live in a world of advanced technology, so let’s use it. When you and your listeners can see each other, the biggest challenge of not knowing what is happening on the other end disappears. Everyone moans and groans when I make this recommendation because they don’t like to be seen. Really? People see you every day! If you’re really serious about the influence you want to have Monday to Monday,® turn on your webcam this week for at least five conversations.

2. Ask the right questions. The best way to increase interaction is by asking open-ended questions. “Do you have any questions?” won’t encourage interaction. Create the reputation of being engaging and interesting. Individuals will begin to show up for your virtual conversations ready to interact rather than thinking they can catch up on email during your calls.

3. Call them out. Maybe not literally. Rather, use your listeners’ names. “Michael, what has been your experience with our client ‘X’?” Everyone else on the call will sit up and take notice of your interactive style.

4. Get organized. Always have an agenda and distribute the agenda at least 24 hours before the call. At the beginning of the call, explain the purpose of the call and your expectations, your role, the participants’ roles and what needs to be accomplished. Explain to participants: “To make this call efficient and to respect your time, we’ll need your participation. I want to make sure everyone is clear on his or her individual action steps moving forward. Therefore, I’ll be asking questions throughout the call for everyone to answer.” In order to reach results and to make sure you’re on track as the facilitator, everyone needs to participate.

5. Respect your listeners. Start and end on time. When you go beyond the scheduled time frame, you communicate to participants that their time is not valuable.

Drop me a note to share the action steps you will commit to this week to create an interactive, interesting and impactful environment while leading virtual conversations. Tag me on my Facebook page.

If you missed one of Stacey’s previous blogs or tips, visit her online.

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What Achievers Listen to:

Brian Tracy on Building Confidence – http://www.success.com/podcast/brian-tracy-on-building-confidence

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