18 Sept 2019 · 8 min
Sally Koering Zimney argues that leaders must be storytellers. Stories require risk and vulnerability but are the most powerful tool for persuading and growing a business. She's enrolling people in her Speaking Story program before the deadline closes today.
Hello, movers. It is Sally. So happy to be here with you on our final day of Speaking Story. Enrollment closes today. So if you're hearing this, it's Wednesday, September 18th. Let's do this. Now is the time. All right. What I want to talk with you about is really the belief underneath Speaking Story, and that is my belief that leaders need to be storytellers. I am so excited to have you back as we are talking about this and we are closing up our series all about storytelling. I really hope it's been a valuable series for you. So this big idea is really deeply embedded in my Speaking Story course that is open right now. Speakers are leaders and leaders are speakers. And I am fired up about this today, my movers. So if this sounds like a bit of a rant/ass-kicking, I'm sorry, and yet not, because I think we all need it. Really quick, let's define these terms because I think they're terms that some people can't identify with for some reason. A leader, someone who leads others. So if anyone looks to you for direction, vision on anything, um, If you are setting a pathway, if you turn around and you realize some people are doing what you're doing, you are a leader. If you want people to do more of what you're doing, you're a leader. So that's probably all of you in some context or another. And I think we need more leaders in this world. There are times when we also need to be followers. I completely agree with that. But when we are stepping out front, that is what we are doing. We are leading. Okay, check. Good. Leaders definition done. Speaker. Definition of speaker. A lot of people have trouble connecting with this identity. Speaker, someone who speaks. That's it. Okay. Please note, I did not say someone with a bestselling book who travels the world charging boatloads of money money for their speaking fees. Uh-uh. So, by my guess, leader, speaker, that's all of you. You've heard me say this before, I'm sure, and it's a realization that I have come to over the last 20 years. And that is, to become a better speaker, we have to become better leaders. And being a good leader means that we need to be good speakers. And I came to this realization because I was having these conversations with my speakers again and again and again, all about the same ideas, about risk, about courage, about vulnerability, and answering the big question, which is, what is it that I really want to say? And getting clear on that is essential for us as leaders, leaders standing out front. And what I've learned and seen and been so freaking proud to be a part of again and again is that the process of becoming a better speaker is Truly the process of becoming a better leader. And it is so cool to be a part of, and I feel honored to be a part of people's journey on that. When we get clear on what we believe, when we get clear on our message, which means we also get clear on what works with our audience, we get better at taking risks. We push ourselves into bigger moments with bigger potential and we make a bigger impact. And I know I'm probably speaking to the choir. On this one, right? We are on board. That's why you're listening to this show. You wanna speak and lead. You are speaking and leading now, and we're gonna— bigger potential, bigger impact. That's what we're moving towards. Cool. So what about storytelling? I mean, leaders wanna speak because they have something to say typically, right? But a story to tell? We all have a story to tell, but are we willing to tell it? Are we willing to stand up and share our story? To not just lean on what we know, but to share what brought us to our knowledge. That struggle, that failure. Too many leaders shy away from storytelling because it doesn't feel strong. And I want to make an argument for you for why storytelling is the most important tool in your speaking toolkit. I mean, I know I'm a little obsessed over here right now because I am living and breathing my stories. All right, I know. But anyone who is not investing their time and energy into developing powerful stories to use in their business and their message, you are missing out on impact precisely because stories are riskier, more daunting, require more skill and preparation. That is what makes them more powerful. So if you are not using stories in your speaking the way that you could, the way that you know that you can, I am here to take you to task and to give you a much-needed kick in the pants and to get your story game going. If you are using stories, I'm already proud of you. Yes, keep playing, keep risking, keep bringing yourself fully to that moment, not as a navel-gazing exercise, but because stories connect, stories engage, stories Persuade. Stories persuade. Stories are the place from which your business and your message can grow and thrive. My movers, this is where I'm nudging you. Stories are essential to your growth as a speaker and a leader. So I want you to join me in Speaking Story that is open for enrollment right now, but just for a limited time, you guys. It's closing tomorrow or later today, whenever you're hearing this. It is an awesome resource for your storytelling skills, preparation, development, growth. In it, you're gonna learn the ins and outs of what makes a great story, what makes a moving story, and then you're gonna learn how to create and deliver one. I throw it all in there. There's tons of value in here for you. So go to speakingstory.com, sign up. I cannot wait to help you lead better, speak better, and own your story moment better. You got this. Let's do it together. All right, my friends, that is the wrap on my obsession with stories for a little bit. We're gonna take a story break coming up here. We're gonna get back to some interview shows. We are going to, uh, continue to share expert tips and tricks and insight. Ah, but I hope that you have enjoyed our deep dive into story. And I know I have. I feel like I have gotten clearer for myself on why stories are so important. And I hope it is clear for you as well. Thanks, muck friends. See you next week. Bye-bye.
