Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1407101
YOU HAVE A GREAT STORY, TOO! (Do you know how to tell it?) by Suzanne Wagner We all have stories to tell—stories that could inspire, educate or encourage—but not everybody is a natural storyteller. If you want to share your own personal narrative effectively, try these tips to help you get started. Before you know it, your audience will be (awestruck/weeping/inspired/laughing— select your desired outcome). Borrow from Hollywood. According to a recent Forbes article, "Three Keys to Telling Personal Stories That Move Hearts and Minds," author Carmine Gallo explains the three essential components of a compelling personal narrative: inciting incident, personal transformation and life lesson. Gallo tells us that in Hollywood movies, the inciting incident is one that involves the hero's challenge, hurdle or setback. Above all, he says, the story must involve struggle. The personal transformation is how the incident transforms the hero's life—it's what gives the story impact. And, the life lesson must connect the struggle in the story to the broader context of the listener's world. Something like this… Inciting incident: "I met the love of my life at work. In a matter of two years, we dated, got engaged, got married and bought our first house. We were thrilled with our new life together. Until our employer went under and we lost our jobs." Personal transformation: "It was super hard to see at the time, but getting fired allowed us to explore our entrepreneurial spirit. We opened our own business, and we haven't looked back!" Life lesson: "No matter how much you plan for your future, there are always going to be surprises. Think of these surprises as gifts—and see where they take you." #HERSTORY | 20