Story-Telling Makes Things Easier to Remember

Richard Phillips is a man who spent decades in prison for a murder he didn't commit. Now that he's been set free, he goes around and speaks for high schoolers, and recently began offering scholarship for students who love to read and can prove it by writing a book report on a classic novel. He will choose the winner. You see, while he was in prison, he learned to love books and he feels they truly set him free, even while he was locked up for something he didn't do.

Isn't that a great story? And it's a true one. He came to my daughter's school last year and I think it's a great way to prove my point today. Science shows that story-telling makes things easier to remember for our brains. It also evokes a strong emotional response.

We've all known sales reps who are super successful because they know how to "shoot the breeze". But is this really why? Or is it because they have a strong emotional intelligence and how to tell a good story?

These easy-going and charming sales reps might have a great smile and easy laugh, but they also know HOW and WHEN to tell a good story.

We shouldn't ever make things about us, and certainly should NEVER talk about what year we were invented and how great we are during a presentation, but in the right context and at the right time, analogies work. Story-telling works. There's a reason that some of my most popular posts have a great story.

Have you ever heard a great story that stuck with you during a meeting or presentation?

What has your experience been like? Let me know in the LinkedIn comments!

What’s New?

Last week I wrapped up my training with this amazing team from Canon Medical Systems USA, Inc.. They were really special to me because not only did I get to see them every week, but I also was involved in recruiting them.

You see, back in September, I posted on LinkedIn and within a few days I had hundreds of applications. Many of them shared that the reason they applied was because they were excited to have someone finally willing to take a chance on them, even though they didn’t have medical sales experience. After an extensive process, we picked these six and what a group they are. I’m so excited to see where the world takes them. Experience is great, but potential is even more important. Best of luck to you all! And thank you to Canon for the opportunity.

And if you want me to help with your team’s recruitment, let me know. There is A LOT of eager talent out there in the world, dying for an opportunity.

Would you like for me to come speak to your sales team or conference?  Click here for videos of me speaking and book a meeting with me to get pricing info!