This is a true story, just the highlights (or lowlights depending on your interpretation). I had a wild and unexpected encounter a couple of days ago with my past … (WATCH the VIDEO)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-3V2Ls0nuM
We all have history, colorful, quirky sometimes history we wish had never happened and that we could forget. Be grateful for all of it! You have learned priceless (often expensive and painful) lessons in every experience you’ve had.
Your willingness to share those stories, and those lessons are what will make you memorable, valuable, real, and even hirable. Now, I’m not suggesting that you simply beat us all over the head with your stories, again and again and again. There is an art to storytelling, nuances you must master, and even a few rules to know so you can break them (best kind of rules to have, don’t you think?)
I had a former friend who did that once, she recounted the same story 5X in one night. At the end of the night, I could repeat her stories better than my own, and hers didn’t seem to have any point!
Next time you tell a story, make sure it has the 3 R’s of Storytelling:
#1 Relevant
It needs to relate to the conversation you are having and not come out of left field randomly.
#2 Real
It needs to be a real story, not some fictionalized or embellished version of reality.
#3 Right Timing
You need to be far enough past the story that telling it doesn’t turn into some sort of quest for therapy to get past it.
BONUS! #4 Rich Detail
The richer in detail your story is, the more memorable it will be.
As always, I welcome your comments and best of all YOUR STORIES! Share below and when you enjoyed this post, share it with friends.
PS. In case you didn’t get THE POINT in The Spy Who Loved Me . . . oh the tangled web we weave, when we first practice to deceive, ultimately his web untangled and I had enough distance to see the deceit. Keep your perspective always in romance and business!
Melissa, great story …….. scary and glad you got out of it safely! Your ARE a wonderful storyteller. Any storytelling classes or workshops you would recommend?
Hey Nancy,
Thank you so much, I love to share stories and we each have such an abundance of them to connect with.
I haven’t finished viewing this youtube yet, but seems a valuable exercise in how to craft your story. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXrrPyGETsc
Hugs, Melissa
WOW! Hope he didn’t recognize you in Starbucks! You are a great story teller and your videos are amazing – it shows the real you, where emails and newsletters can hide your strong points (like pulling us into the story as you did). I can say that because I’ve known you about 20 years! Love to hear more stories and watch you speak! 3 Rs on my radar. THANKS!
Cumby,
I think he did despite 15+ years and short hair now, but he was smart enough not to say anything. If I’d been alone, I’d have gotten up an left. It definitely spooked me. Thanks for the kind comments on video, need that encouragement!
Hugs, Melissa
Great story telling Melissa!
Thanks always Teresa,
Helps to have led a colorful life!
Hugs, Melissa
Great story, a little scary and glad you got out of it when you did and moved on. Your words of wisdom are always appreciated.
Enjoy this beautiful week-end!
Hey Ann,
Yes, very glad I got out when I did, would have been great to get out sooner. LOL.
Hugs, Melissa
Melissa, that’s a very interesting story! You have such a fun and interesting blog… going to read/watch more posts just now.
Thanks Arsh,
Yes, truth is often stranger than fiction!
Hugs, Melissa