Storytelling is a hot topic in the field of business communication.  Lets dive into the pop culture history books for a valuable storytelling lesson.  A quick google search will reveal a glut of information:

  • empirical academic studies in the field of neuroscience
  • proclamations from experts
  • ‘how-to’ guides and templates for creating stories

Storytelling is an age old concept

The concept, however,  is as old as humanity itself.  Cave paintings were created to pass on wisdom, guidance and knowledge in the form of a story.  As long as human beings have engaged in communication we have intuitively understood the power of the story.

Here is one of my favourite examples.  It is just slightly more contemporary than the cave paintings.  I would like to say that I saw this in re-runs but that’s just not true.

Venus Flytrap, a DJ at WKRP in Cincinnati teaches atomic theory in just two minutes.

 

A lesson worth learning

It is genius.  But there is also method in the magic. Here are some observable, repeatable aspects of this presentation:

 1.  Understanding the mindset of the target

2.  Personally engaged and enthusiastic about the subject

3.  Issued a challenge – to activate competition and cut through the resistance of arrogance

4.  Clear promise – I will teach you about the atom in two minutes

5.  Commitment and consistency – Arnold gives his word.  He will go back to school if Venus can teach him about the atom in two minutes.  Clever use of one of the 6 principles of influence.

6.  Engagement – Venus did not lecture.  I counted 29 instances of interactivity – checking for understanding, asking questions, prompting repetition.

It is an action-packed two minute lesson in storytelling.   I struggled through grade 11 chemistry  but I remember this 2 minute lesson more clearly than anything else.

Enjoy.

 

Enjoy!