Thrive State Podcast

EPISODE 90: Using the Power of Story to Build Powerful Connections and Impact

Episode 90: John Livesay

We are natural storytellers, they say.
But when does storytelling makes a difference than just conveyance of narrative?

In business and sales, storytelling has been used and proven to be a powerful tool. But in health too!

How?

When we tell stories, we elicit emotions. It can be emotions of stress. And you know where does that takes you–elevated cortisol levels, immune system goes down, and so on.

So when we tell stories, we want it told in a way that elicits emotions that energize us and brings positive changes in our body.

Taking control of your story—changing the way you put meaning to it, the way you tell it—is the first step to making life happen for you, instead of to you.

In the latest episode of the Thrive State podcast with John Livesay, aka The Pitch Whisperer, we talk about the power of story to elicit the emotions that moves people to action, to build powerful connections and to cast long-lasting impact.

John is a sales keynote speaker who shows companies’ sales teams how to turn case studies into compelling case stories to win business. From John’s award-winning career at Conde Nast, he shares the lessons he learned that turn sales teams into revenue rockstars.

You can also check out his TEDx talk: “Be The Lifeguard of Your Own Life” which has over a million views his best-selling book Better Selling Through Storytelling, online course “Revenue Rockstar Mastery,” and his new book, The Sale Is in the Tale.

johnlivesay.com
Send PITCH to 668656 to get a free chapter of John’s latest book!

Show notes

06:30

What makes a good story

3 Cs of a great story:

Is it Clear?
Is it Concise? It has to be remembered and repeated.
Is it Compelling? It has to touch on the heartstrings which come from the awareness that we buy through emotions.

Basic Structure of a great story: The magic is when people see themselves in the story.

Exposition – describe the situation. Paint the picture. Who, what, where, when.
Problem – The better you describe the problem and show empathy for it, the more they think you have their solution. Show that the stakes are high.
Resolution – What is life like after they take action.

09:27

Sample of a Case Story

11:09

Putting together your story jukebox

Prepare at least one of each: Personal Story, Company Story, Case Story.
Have a story for each one of your avatars. Is there a universal message?

12:29

Different Genres of Story that you can use

Rags to Riches – Cinderella’s story
The Reaper
Everyday life moments

16:50

How to use stories in building connections

Show some vulnerability.

There’s always the choice of being the movie director of our own life—you can always say ‘cut!’, change the cast, change location. That gives us the freedom to not stay stuck in whatever situation we’re in.

When we tell stories, we illicit emotions—it can be emotions of stress. We can change the meaning and illicit positive emotions that also changes our biology.

19:59

Tool for Resilience and Letting go of stressful obsessions

Practice the 555 method

Zoom out and ask: Will this matter in 5 minutes, 5 days, or 5 weeks? If the answer is no, let go.

22:07

Sample Exercise

Elevate your Story using this guide questions:

Who do you help?
What problem do they have that you’re solving?
What is your solution?
Start with: You know how…

31:49

John’s Best Medicine: Swimming.

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