Storytelling for your brand

Last weekend I was lucky enough to attend a retreat led by PR guru Melissa Talago who delivered three workshops on creating stories for your business and brand.

We all had the opportunity to consider what stories we could ‘craft’ from our background and experience, to be part of our business story. These personal stories help people remember who we are and what we do. And storytelling is such a powerful way of connecting with your audience.

I am delighted that Melissa agreed to be interviewed for the Superstar Communicator podcast. Melissa shares lots of tips for crafting your story, as well as connecting with your brand and she even gives examples of how her clients have used storytelling to get into the press, publicising your brand and receive valuable PR. Listen to the podcast interview here.

I won’t spoil the interview by repeating Melissa’s tips and examples, but here are some examples of storytelling that you could use to build your brand; or perhaps you wish to raise your profile within your business or private community.

Introducing yourself, or your business, with a key aspect of your live. I know of individuals who introduce themselves based on a previous job such as ‘former doctor’ or ‘former newsreader’, and a story that is relevant to their new business. This is perfect when you are doing a public speaking engagement or presentation, where people want to know something about you as well as the content you are delivering. I use this technique when I am speaking, so people know a little about me and to reinforce my expertise as a speaker and voice trainer.

Using a story within a blog or podcast, to demonstrate your expertise. This is something I did on my last podcast, where I explained how a very young mother verbally abused me in a tricky situation at a hotel. I was able to provide a solution to a problem: or the problem within the story.

A brief post on social media: this could be a brief story with an image. For my music company Viva Live Music we often take a photo and a brief description to ‘tell the story’ of an event or new talent.

Finally, creating a news story that the press might be interested in; the story is great promotion for your company or you personally. Everything from a great win, a charity story, new product. More ideas are in the interview and podcast with Melissa. Listen here.

If you would like to discuss how to use storytelling for public speaking and presentations contact me to arrange a no obligation call.