35: Can Storytelling Improve Your Credibility and Influence?

Think about the last time you had to present some data. It could have been an employee survey. It could have been a standard metrics meeting. Whatever the case, did you do the thing that virtually everyone does and throw a couple dozen charts into a couple dozen slides, bombard everyone with that, and move on? If so, how much do you think stuck with your audience? How much could they remember? Do they understand the context and why those things you shared are important in the bigger picture?  Or did you tell a story that helped to illustrate key points, brought the audience into the frame of reference, and made it easier to understand and remember?  In today's episode, Ben talks with Mollie Lombardi, co-founder of Aptitude Research Partners. Mollie is an analyst and friend of Ben's, and they discuss the critical importance of using stories to drive data interest and retention. Throughout Mollie's career she has had to present data from dozens of research studies, and she always looks for ways to bring a story into the mix to make it tangible for the audience to connect with.  The question to ask yourself is whether storytelling can improve your own credibility, influence, and more. It's a skill that can be learned, but it's not a competency taught in school or one that is listed in any HR job description. Yet with the prevalence of data in the workplace today it's more important than ever to craft a compelling story to make your point, stand out from the crowd, and get the attention of your audience. Be remembered. Tell a story. Now, check out the episode to get some ideas on how to make this a regular part of your toolkit.  To connect with Mollie and learn more be sure to check out the fantastic stuff their team shares on Twitter: http://twitter.com/talktoARP