Storytelling is an integral part of any negotiation. It’s how we share information and get stakeholders to care about our goals. Narratives allow our audience to connect with information in an authentic way and understand our “why.”
Persuasive storytelling is more than just raw facts — that’s a quick way to lose an audience. A good story presents the data in a way that elicits emotions and gets real results.
If you’re looking to develop your presentation technique and elevate your negotiation skills, keep reading for our top 6 tips for persuasive storytelling.
Why Tell a Story?
A story is more than just a means of delivery. It helps us get our point across in a meaningful and memorable way. Persuasive storytelling:
Breaks Down Difficult Concepts
No matter your audience, a persuasive story can help you present difficult concepts in an approachable manner. It allows the audience to connect to your goals and understand why you do what you do.
Sparks Imagination
The imagination is where new ideas come from. When we present a problem or information using persuasive storytelling, the audience can fill in gaps with their own interpretations and experiences. This welcomes a broader conversation that invites more ideas.
Develops a Shared Understanding
Stories reveal user pain points and clarify goals. They create a conversation where we consider more than just the result — we begin to look at the bigger picture. Through storytelling, we can help our team develop a shared language and rally around a common goal.
6 Tips for Persuasive Storytelling
1. Use Language Relevant to Your Audience
Use language your audience is familiar with to present the story in a meaningful way they can relate to. Learn industry terminology including:
- Machinery or tools they use
- Processes they apply
- Product-specific terms
This will help to build credibility in your story.
2. Appeal to Audience Needs
It’s one thing to tell a story, but if you don’t understand your audience’s motivations or needs, it’ll only get you so far. Recognizing their concerns will help you address them. Are they worried about costs, timelines, or safety? These will be at the forefront of their minds, distracting them from your story. Address them early on to put them at ease.
3. Use Data to Support Your Position
Whether your persuasive story is based on qualitative or quantitative data, insert these facts to support your argument and cast out any doubt. When questions arise, be sure to back your story up with data.
4. Consider Every Interaction
Think about the entire user experience with your software, product, or service. Consider why and where they’re using it to identify possible distractions and concerns. Understanding every touchpoint your audience has with your product will help you see things from their perspective and allow you to better meet their needs.
5. Use Artifacts
Artifacts can be anything from storyboards, personas, mind maps, or objects. They help people relate to and remember your story. By providing them with something they can connect with, you add credibility and authenticity to your argument.
Create a sensory experience through artifacts to enhance the impact of your story, transforming it from abstract concepts to a compelling and memorable experience.
Personas are an effective tool in persuasive storytelling. Develop identities your audience can relate to and understand.
6. Follow Up
After you’ve told your persuasive story, follow-up is key. Send an email summarizing the story and provide a brief of what was decided and why. If questions come up, you’ll have a reference to go back to — “Remember when we talked about Sandra with her busy schedule and how she would benefit from the service we’re providing?” This will help them to remember the importance of the decision.
Use Persuasive Storytelling in Your Work
Persuasive storytelling can be used in any circumstance, whether on a large scale or on an individual level. When applying persuasive storytelling, remember to incorporate facts and data, but connect them with compelling imagery and relatable personas.
Take your audience on a journey and help them to see the end goal. Make the information accessible and relatable and provide context for your argument.
Stand out in the crowd and succeed in an overwhelming market. Learn the skills you need to create persuasive and memorable stories to capture your audience’s attention with our free Persuasive Storytelling Course.
For more information on how Negotiation Ninjas can help you reach your goals, contact us today.