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How do you use storytelling in your job or industry ?
How do you use storytelling in your job or industry?
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7 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1060
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Storytelling can serve many purposes in an organization, especially if it is utilized as a training and success tool.
In my opinion, using stories and examples in training helps to make the information you are communicating more relatable, memorable, and actionable through engaging narratives that connect with listeners on an emotional and cognitive level.
I recall once, when I was attempting to demonstrate, in a training, how to use the "Socratic Method." I pulled an old file with a scene from the 1973 Academy Award winning movie "The Paper Chase." The Socratic Method is heavily utilized in law schools around the United States, and John Houseman's masterful acting through Professor Kingsfield, (though somewhat heavy handed), was a perfect and memorable way to demonstrate the concept of the Socratic Method, and how it can be used in a teaching scenario.
Basically, storytelling simplifies complex ideas, enhances recall by creating deeper understanding and application in real-world scenarios, fosters engagement and participation, and builds rapport and trust with subordinates and fellow employees.
Creating and using stories involves being able to utilize personal anecdotes or character-driven narratives that are relevant, emotionally resonant, and linked to learning objectives. I believe that this ultimately inspires employees to apply new knowledge and encourage positive change in the organization.
Storytelling definitely serves a purpose as a training tool. The workplace is an environment where change is constantly occurring, and employees must be willing to update their technical skills, and other workplace qualifications, to better serve their community and organization.
In my opinion, using stories and examples in training helps to make the information you are communicating more relatable, memorable, and actionable through engaging narratives that connect with listeners on an emotional and cognitive level.
I recall once, when I was attempting to demonstrate, in a training, how to use the "Socratic Method." I pulled an old file with a scene from the 1973 Academy Award winning movie "The Paper Chase." The Socratic Method is heavily utilized in law schools around the United States, and John Houseman's masterful acting through Professor Kingsfield, (though somewhat heavy handed), was a perfect and memorable way to demonstrate the concept of the Socratic Method, and how it can be used in a teaching scenario.
Basically, storytelling simplifies complex ideas, enhances recall by creating deeper understanding and application in real-world scenarios, fosters engagement and participation, and builds rapport and trust with subordinates and fellow employees.
Creating and using stories involves being able to utilize personal anecdotes or character-driven narratives that are relevant, emotionally resonant, and linked to learning objectives. I believe that this ultimately inspires employees to apply new knowledge and encourage positive change in the organization.
Storytelling definitely serves a purpose as a training tool. The workplace is an environment where change is constantly occurring, and employees must be willing to update their technical skills, and other workplace qualifications, to better serve their community and organization.
Leah Lengel
Global Events Marketing Coordinator
6
Answers
New Albany, Indiana
Updated
Leah’s Answer
Hi there! This is a great question. I use storytelling in my promotions to get people to register for my company's events. Storytelling is a great way to show prospects and customers of our products how they can stand out and enhance their current engagement solutions to be better. An example of this is promoting customer stories within the same industries as those prospects of highlighting industry leaders (CEOs, speakers, etc) and how they use our products. I hope this helps to give some insight!
Je'Todd (JT) Smith, MBA, PMP®
Sr. Program and Project Manager
4
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Je'Todd (JT)’s Answer
As a project manager focused on incentives, storytelling is one of my most effective tools. It's not just about telling tales; it's about turning complex information and strategic changes into stories that people can easily understand and relate to.
Knowing your audience is key. Whether you're speaking to employees, executives, or peers, be confident in what you're presenting. You're not just selling a product but sharing ideas and concepts that you want others to embrace. Remember, every story has a beginning, middle, and end. If you build your story with this structure and stay true to yourself, you'll go far.
Knowing your audience is key. Whether you're speaking to employees, executives, or peers, be confident in what you're presenting. You're not just selling a product but sharing ideas and concepts that you want others to embrace. Remember, every story has a beginning, middle, and end. If you build your story with this structure and stay true to yourself, you'll go far.
Michael Gigliotti
Manager
5
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Michael’s Answer
In my Capital Planning role, storytelling can be extremely important. We often have to gather information about funded projects and then inform leadership about situations that are happening. Being able to effectively communicate those "stories" is crucial in showing our value and/or helping our leaders to make vital business decisions. Engaging the audience can make all the difference in getting a needed response.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
In the education industry, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools I use in my work. While facts and information are important, stories bring learning to life. They help students connect with ideas in a way that is meaningful and memorable. A lesson filled only with numbers or theories may be forgotten quickly, but a story can stay in a student's mind for years.
Storytelling is useful in teaching values and life skills. When I want students to think about kindness, honesty, or teamwork, I share real or imagined stories that show these qualities in action. Students are more likely to reflect on a character's experience than on a list of rules. Stories give them a safe way to explore emotions and decisions, and they can apply those lessons to their own lives.
In addition, storytelling builds stronger connections between teachers and students. When I share personal stories, students see me as more than just an instructor. They realize that learning is not only about books, but also about experiences. This creates trust and encourages them to share their own stories, making the classroom a place where everyone's voice matters.
Storytelling is useful in teaching values and life skills. When I want students to think about kindness, honesty, or teamwork, I share real or imagined stories that show these qualities in action. Students are more likely to reflect on a character's experience than on a list of rules. Stories give them a safe way to explore emotions and decisions, and they can apply those lessons to their own lives.
In addition, storytelling builds stronger connections between teachers and students. When I share personal stories, students see me as more than just an instructor. They realize that learning is not only about books, but also about experiences. This creates trust and encourages them to share their own stories, making the classroom a place where everyone's voice matters.
Scott Ryan Zarodnansky
Senior Analyst
6
Answers
Ocean Township, New Jersey
Updated
Scott Ryan’s Answer
You story tell in your work to let those get a better picture of what you're trying to convey. You need to tailor any approach to the audience you will be speaking to. If it is a group of executives, you need to be high level and quick points, but if it is to your team you can get more in depth so that you get all your points across.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
833
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I have found that a great story told well can help others have more confidence in your abilities. Saying “I’m good at something” is one thing, but offering “the national restaurant association awarded me with a leadership award based on my sales career and volunteering in the community” comes off a lot better.