Speaking around the world and collecting stories. Here I am in Chiba in Japan
One of the questions I get the most is, “Craig, where do you come up with your stories?” I generally look in the following 10 places for clues as to which stories I should develop and share.
1. Go to that part of your life where you don’t want to go. These are often where you’ll find your most powerful stories. For example, the year after I graduated from undergraduate school was very rough for me. In fact, I was kind of embarrassed by it because I had 5 jobs and failed them all. As a result, I wanted to forget that year ever happened and I certainly didn’t plan to ever speak about it.
However, Patricia Fripp made me dive into that year and pull out a gem. Now I usually close my speeches with a story about that year and it is very powerful. Go to that place in life you’ve hesitated going into, and you will most likely find something valuable too!
2. Go to stories that you normally tell family and friends. These stories are part of your overall story and that’s why you keep telling them. Now it’s time to bring them on stage. For example, I had been telling my friends the following story for about 16 or 17 years before I finally started bringing it onstage a couple of years ago. Click below to listen to it.
3. Go to the moments that cracked you up. For example, a few years ago my son (who was 7 years old at the time) said something that kept my wife and me laughing for days, and so I started sharing the following story in my speeches. Here’s a video of me in Dublin, Ireland sharing the first part of that story.
4. Go to where someone wronged you. Think about a time when someone did something to you that just wasn’t right. Chances are your audience will relate to how you feel about it.
5. Go to where you wronged someone. Why in the world would we want to share a story about when we did something wrong to someone? It’s simple. Because we are not perfect. Plus, you don’t want to keep telling stories about when you were the victim. If you do, sooner or later your audience will think, “This is a pity party.” Instead, mix it up. Share a story about when you were the one who was wrong and the lesson you learned to correct it. Chances are some of your audience members need that lesson right now.
6. Go to “turning point” moments. In 1994 I walked into a bookstore and it changed my life. I have never been the same. That trip has become one of my most powerful stories. Think about turning points in your life where you’ve never been the same.
7. Go to the painful moments. I know it hurts but it’s important to go to the painful moments in life in order to bring out the priceless messages you can share. What hurt you emotionally? What did you do to get better? In there is an important message.
8. Go to the victorious moments. Think of a time where you won or accomplished something worthwhile. What happened? What was the obstacle you had to overcome? How did you do it? I’m sure a great story is in there.
9. Go to the embarrassing moments. I know it might sound strange but people love embarrassing moments as long as the moments are happening to someone else. Still, when you share your embarrassing moment, your audience members will likely reflect on their embarrassing moments too.
10. Go to the “stopped you in your tracks” moments. For example, I was talking on the phone to an outstanding Director from a pharmaceutical firm. Carla happened to be tired that day because of a barrage of meetings and phone calls she had. Before we hung up, she said, “Craig, feel free to call me if you need anything as you prepare for your speech.” I said jokingly, “I don’t want to be your 25th call of the day.” She said, “Even if you were my 25th call, I’d treat you like you were my first.”
That wonderful statement (and attitude) stopped me in my tracks and I’ve since shared her words many times. Whenever someone’s statement stops you in your tracks, consider turning it into a story and make sure you give them the credit. Thank you Carla.
Final Thoughts
Speakers like to talk about taking an audience on an emotional roller-coaster ride. Well, that’s all fine and good but how do you do it? One way you do it is by gathering stories from different emotional centers. If you follow the list above, that’s exactly what you’ll accomplish. As a result, your audience will not just hear a speech. They will feel an emotional experience.
Your Turn
Where do you uncover your stories?
- Why You Might Want to Share a Failure Early In Your Speech - February 10, 2023
- One Thing a Speaker Should Always Do Is… - January 29, 2023
- 3 Sacrifices that Will Take Your Stories to New Heights - January 6, 2023
