Not enough truth

I had the privilege to sit down with Annette Simmons to discuss storytelling this week. You can watch the conversation here .

I was really nervous. If there’s somebody I admire in the field of storytelling, it’s Annette. If you’ve read her book The Story Factor or Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins, you’ll know what I’m talking about. She is a brave and honest voice in the field.

During our conversation, hosted by Scott Perry, there was an Aha moment that I want to share with you. This was when Annette mentioned that if your story is boring, you’re probably not telling enough truth.

Think about it.

How many times have you sat listening to friends and colleagues talking about their perfect marriage, work and children, and felt bored to death? But if somebody mentions the word “affair,” or “drugs,” or “fired,” I’m sure they immediately grab your full attention.

We love drama and tension as much as we love people telling us their truth.

All of us have a “crap-detector,” and when you take the brave step of unveiling what everybody is thinking about but nobody is saying, people are going to listen and connect with what you say.

Listen to Annette talking about trust, empathy, and the importance of sharing your vulnerability so that people can respond in kind in minute 10 of the conversation.