When I ask executives what their favorite speech is, Steve Jobs’s Stanford commencement address is always at the top of the list. Many think of Jobs’s talk as their favorite because it is incredibly moving — thanks to the stories it contains.
How to Identify and Tell Your Most Powerful Stories
Leaders often shy away from sharing personal stories in their talks and presentations. Why? Because they’re afraid of exposing their flaws or struggles. But this is such a missed opportunity to connect with your audience. Instead of keeping your most impactful stories hidden, dig them up and use them. Start by thinking through the nouns that are important to you — the people, places, and things that have shaped your life. Chances are that you’ll find a number of stories buried in those memories. Then write one-line summaries of the stories and catalog them; you could sort them by situation, theme, mood, or moral. When you’re looking through your bank of stories to find one that is right for your next talk, consider who’s in your audience and what they care about. Carefully consider their values, goals, and interests, and then decide which of your stories fits them best.