Telling Stories
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of delivering a keynote address to open a large fitness industry convention here in the thriving metropolis of Melbourne. As the venue was in the heart of the city (and finding a parking space is a nightmare), I decided to leave the car at home and ride my scooter to the event. Stop laughing. Yes, I own a scooter. Focus. As some of you will remember from this post, I met an interesting bloke and had a very amusing, memorable and enjoyable experience on my way to the gig.
Even as I walked on stage to deliver my ninety-minute presentation, I couldn’t stop thinking about my experience on the way to the convention. So, instead of launching into my planned presentation, I decided that I would first share my scooter story with the six hundred (or so) people in the audience. I figured that, while the yarn itself was amusing and potentially entertaining, there were also some relevant lessons, issues and ideas to come out of my early morning commute.
So, I told the story, extrapolated a few relevant truths and insights from the experience, made some silly faces (as I do) and then proceeded with my formal presentation to the group as planned. In all, I spent five minutes sharing the story and eighty-five minutes delivering the presentation proper. Overall, it went pretty well.
Years Later…
Three years down the track, I’m still bumping into people who can repeat that story verbatim. They recall it better than I do. Complete with the physical actions I used to bring the experience to life. Of course, they have no idea what I talked about for the other eighty-five minutes 
but that particular story is seared into their brains like a brand on the rump of a steer. Fortunately, so too are the lessons and truths that came out of the experience.
One of the most important things I’ve learned as a teacher, coach and motivator is that, while people might forget (dry, boring) information (as such), they will usually remember stories. Most of us were raised on stories and when we allow ourselves to get past our grown-up-ness, we can all remember how much we (still) love, connect and identify with a good tale. They are both liberating and empowering. In my humble opinion, they are often the most effective way to teach, learn and create a deeper level of understanding and connection.
For example, when I talk to an audience about some of my experiences growing up as a fat kid, I don’t need to point out the obvious lessons and the truths. Neither do I need to repeat the story or explain it in four different ways to give them clarity or cognition. No, they just get it because stories are multi-dimensional (as are we). Information, on the other hand, is typically one-dimensional.
Three-Dimensional Learning
We remember and connect with stories because they affect us on a level much deeper than the purely cerebral. They bring a level of understanding and revelation that information (of itself) doesn’t. Statistics, facts, data and theories are easily forgettable but stories (which are simply information with pictures and feelings) touch us mentally, emotionally and, even, physiologically. Stories make us laugh and cry. Happy and sad. They affect our nervous system. Excite us. Scare us. They can increase our heart rate. Or lower it. They can trigger chemical changes in our body (cortisol, adrenaline, endorphins). They can make us breathe faster or slower. And they can open the door to a level of understanding that only comes through a ‘three-dimensional’ (physical, emotional and psychological) learning experience.
Put me in an academic lecture on the ‘theory of change‘ and I’ll fall asleep by the ten-minute mark. On the other hand, put me in front of an amazing story-teller (sharing the same information via a story) and not only will I remember the message but I’ll also remember the feelings and the experience with great clarity. Knowing me, I may even have a bawl. It’s been known to happen.
Stories are just as effective for adults as they are for kids. Why? Because we’re all kids.
I regularly stand in front of very educated, accomplished and successful audiences and I can say with certainty that even the (alleged) high-achievers are just as moved, motivated and captivated by a good story as are the five-year-old first graders. So, if you’re in a position where it’s your job (or part of your job) to teach, instruct, coach, direct or manage people (no matter what the lesson, role or situation), never underestimate the value and the potential transformational impact of a good story.
A Story to Finish With
Once upon a time there was person sitting at a computer who looked a lot like you. Freaky, I know. This person was reading words on a screen, kind of like the one you’re looking at now. The words on that screen were amazing. Mesmerising. Captivating even. The reader (who looked a lot like you) thought, “I must tell the world about this website. It’s incredible.” So, the reader (who was not only good-looking but smart too) made a decision: “tomorrow, I will begin to tell people about this incredible free educational and motivational resource called craigharper.com.au”. However, something deep within told the smart, attractive person who looks like you not to wait. “He who hesitates is lost”, the voice said. But, being something of a procrastinator and time-waster, the person decided to “start tomorrow”.
Sadly, the Procrastination Dragon came in the middle of the night and ate the reader. 
The End.
Do you use stories in your world? Have you had a great story-teller in your life? Let me know your thoughts and ideas and, maybe, share an experience.
Hi Everyone….
Hope you’ve had a great seven days. Thanks for all your well-wishes re the writing of my new book. I’ve spent most of the last week working on it and it’s fair to say that the writing process for a book is a little more demanding than the laid-back approach I have towards this blog. I forgot about that. FYI, it will be an easy-to-read, short(ish) personal development book and should take the average reader somewhere between sixty and ninety minutes to consume. I have purposely worked to a formula and writing style that I hope will appeal to the broadest cross-section of potential readers – even those who aren’t normally inclined to read anything more cerebral than a fashion or car magazine. The tag on the front cover is: “self-help for people who hate self-help”, so that should give you an idea of the overall vibe. I’ve been told it’s very Craig-ish. Whatever that means.
Anyhoozle, enjoy your week and be the change.
See ya.
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Well as I have already updated my facebook status today it will have to wait until tomorrow…. :0
Actually being the selfish person I am.. I am not going to update my status with this .. as there are some peopel I wouldnt want ready my ‘opinions’ .. so I will do a direct mail out via email!
Kate
Do you use stories in your world? Have you had a great story-teller in your life? Let me know your thoughts and ideas and, maybe, share an experience
I used to use a lot of stories, I think the best part of learning is stories. It is also true you remember deeply the stories.
I think one that came to mind is the head nurse at a hospital I used to work in, this was 1988. I won’t recount the story it was a bit sad, but to this day I remember the five minutes somewhat word for word.
Of course stories bend the truth a bit. Look at the latest Underbelly. I was living near Kings Cross in 1985 and I saw nothing but I do recall some talking back then about who was doing what. To this day these stories have become clouded, especially the crime element. I guess we do bend things for impact.
Hey there,
I am a lover of a good story as I am of a great joke. But in both situations it is not so much about the threads of the content as much as the passion from the storyteller that brings the events to life.
A story, is a story, is a story, but the expressions, the journey, or ones voice is what brings power to the words and the story becomes more than just a story, it can become a piece of you!
Remember you are never too old to read a picture story book nor are you too old to kiss your mum/dad!
xxxx and hugs too – Mares.
Hi Craig,
Sorry, but I have to comment on this one. Can’t help myself.
I love the storytelling aspect of my job. In fact, storytelling IS my job – that’s what history is all about, isn’t it?
For every topic I teach, I have an anecdote to tell (one advantage of getting old). Sometimes they’re relevant and sometimes they’re not (I suspect that I’m secretly known as Mrs Tangent). However, it amazes me that years later my students can still recall the story about my dad arriving from Holland in 1952 (post-war immigration), the time I dismantled a clock made in the USSR searching for a listening device (Cold War paranoia) or the fact that Vietnamese bakeries make the best croissants (French colonialism in Indochina). Sometimes they might even remember a related historical fact. Incredible, I know.
You’re right about the power of the story so it amazes me that presenters don’t use them more often. Perhaps it’s because the stories we tell reveal a little (or a lot) about ourselves and many presenters don’t feel comfortable doing that (depending on the audience). It could also be that they lack confidence in their story-telling ability – which, really, they shouldn’t because a monotone story will always be more interesting than a monotone information avalanche.
Keep the stories coming, Big Guy.
CJ xox
Using stories is one of the best techniques experienced teachers use to teach students. Stories are a great way to motivate and entertain a class, improve listening skills, improve fluency, improve pronunciation, and improve group work skills and group interaction.
Hi Craig. As someone who owns every piece of him.com merchandise I am so looking forward to your next book. Maybe I can even get my partner to read it too. xx
I love stories and love reading or hearing them. The ones that stay with me are the stories that have been told so well I can picture them in my mind. Keep telling your stories…. And, as for being a procrastinator about telling people about you.com. Well, I am not! I OFTEN tell people and people,(especially the ones at my boot camp) want to know who Craig is that I spent the weekend with!!?? Yep I still wear my RYL tshirt!
Have a great week yourself! HUG
I use stories on my blog all the time to make a bigger impact on what I am sharing. My husband is the most amazing, wonderful storyteller in my life. Some are true. Some are made up, usually for the kids when they are around. He comes alive with a room full of children – grandchildren, nieces and nephews. His stories are always fun and usually has everyone laughing out loud. I fell in love with him almost 38 years ago because he makes me laugh.
Hi Craig
I love telling stories it stimulates me, my kids minds and some big kids I know. My imagination as a kid and experiences growing give me ongoing lessons to share. Some are real, some funny, some not and most are kinda made up. Oops, should I share that?
Craig, are our stories changing due to our lack of imagination of not being able to see a good story and not hear? As we get older are we robbed of telling good stories and using our imagination?
Fi
Dear Craig,
You taught me everything I know (well, not everything, but a LOT)
about using whatever potential you have…running with it, working hard at it, etc…etc…and I’m still learning now. Your post today is very relevant for me as I’ve recently started blogging at http://www.monsbiz.wordpress.com and will be writing regularly, so I’ll definetely take your story telling advice on board.
In terms on being a blogger, I guess I am very much in the baby stage or perhaps embryotic ….or maybe zygotic….anyway, I’m a beginner and at the moment my blog could possibly be called CONVERSATIONS WITH MYSELF, but….I will continue to post!! Maybe a good story or two might help!!
Anyone who wants to drop by, YOU ARE VERY WARMLY WELCOME TO!! My blog is a motivational and support home for those on the road to weight loss and already there is an archive of aritcles for you to read and enlighten you!!
I’ve been there myself, on the weight loss journey and have also written a book called REFRAME WEIGHTLOSS which will soon be published on a site called Smashwords and also made available on my blog as well. All going well!
BTW Thank you so very much Craig – I think I owe all of the above to you – Warning: If you read Craig Harpers blog for long enough you will find yourself actually doing stuff, instead of just talkin’ about it.
I actually wrote about that yesterday on my blog…..specifically I wrote about authors and books and how they can motivate you to change your behaviours and attitude.
So I guess maybe….okay yes I WILL mention you and your wonderful site on my blog ( which will be even better when I have actual readers!!)
Now …to a good story….well, did I tell you about the time I was…ahh… you’ll have to read my blog to get the rest it of it….(and of course I”ll also have to go and write it first !)
Ciao All Good People of the Blogosphere !! Have a great day!
Mon ( )
Hi Craig,
I believe I started to LISTEN to people’s stories when I had my own to tell . Ending up in a traumatic experience led me to look, learn and listen to people’s stories. They gave me hope and understanding that others had experiences and had come through them.
I now see stories as people’s experiences of wanting to share their lesson.
Hi Craig
Speaking of amazing stories. I had the pleasure of meeting an Aboriginal man called Jack Charles, an Australian treasure. On Saturday I watched his documentary called “Bastardy” that takes you on a journey with Jack and his life. I will never forget his story, it reminded me of how lucky I am, how important it is for us to right the wrongs of the past towards our Indigenous Australians and it taught me about hope and resilience. It also taught me that we need to push ourselves out of our comfortable middle and upper class lives sometimes to see what’s really going on out there on the streets, and be kind and compassionate to those less fortunate than ourselves. All those crazy people living on the streets have a story to tell.
Steph
You are so right .. I use ‘visuals’ stories all the time in RPM – I just make up it up like a little movie to music… The one thing I learnt so far in my journey was that is was not the person that told me what to do that was effective it was the person or coach that … could get me there…. And when I do reflect upon these teaches you are right they are all great story tellers…
I remember black Michael who use to set the dark room up like a jungle and woudl make us ‘crawl’ like animals into the wilderness chasing the tiger… (on our bikes) It was awesome you would go sick…
The way I teach RPM is I make up stories … or tacks… up saying take the recovery with me, and I set is all velvet like, then start to sing .. meet me half way…once we are 1/2 there I say Yes you can… i then gently ride with them in to the NASTIEST TRACK – being a hectic street race… we ride into our crew preparing to be tested by the big guys… and then we attack… Staying on them the entire way – once we come back down… I remind them this time is for real and it is up to them.. we attack x 2 then come down for a quick breather whereby i see a break it is slim but can be made with speed…. so we go – hard core -we are now in alignment and must attack or be forgotten 1x 30 sec attacks.. and we make it…. JUST – Now we take shelter together… and prepare
Its the same terrain team but this time we MUST stay together – so whatever you have to give you bring it…
And we attack x 2 come down and take the single file sprint …. calling someone to lead us out, keeping our elbows in .. we are almost home 2 last attacks and yes you can 30 sec not even – stay we us… all the way … Everything we have…
And Recover…
Hi Craig,
Stories and metaphors are fantastic to get the message into the unconscious where it can take hold, especially under hypnosis. My biggest story of mental strength is when I survived an avalanche. It was quote a horrific ordeal and it delivers a powerful message. I now need to expand my library of stories.
Thanks for the great post.
Hi Craig,
First time writer, met you a couple of weeks ago at a council parks depot having a “healthy” BBQ.
Anyway cut to the chase.
About 17 years ago I worked for a Landscape Gardener, he in his mid Fifties and me and two others in our early twenties. Our boss when he was in his early twenties with one of his mates did the big trip around Australia.
At least once a week we would hear the stories of fishing in Broome, meeting his wife in Darwin and so on, etc yeah yeah, whatever! We would get so bored of his goings on that we would have short lunch, get up and go back to work.
The boss must have thought what a great way to get more productivity!
Till one day……………………………….one of the guys said ( while the boss was not around) Do you notice that the Broome story always seem to change a little bit every time he tells it. More fish or bigger fish.
Suddenly our interest in the stories came, not for the story its self but to hear any changes the next time it was told!
The more he spoke, the more we listened, making mental notes all the time, the boss enjoyed the change in attitude and interest.
Till the day the great story teller realised after two hours of going on, that we were using the time to relax at his expense! And to analyse his fluctuating discrepancies (or aging memory)
The lesson learnt! Get of your arse and do something adventurous then you can live the story and be the main character and live a life of having achieved and not wondering!
Regards, Stephen
Patience
Patience is a beauty quality in a friend or your loved one, when you have lost yours.
For a loved one to show patience to you, when you are in a low valley, keeps you moving thru that valley faster than someone who has no patience with you.
My husband is the most patience person I have ever met and I treasure this feature of his personality… it affects me in such a positive way, I am always grateful when it shows up unannounced..
It reminds me of growing up with a big golden and extremely friendly Labrador dog, he always sat with me when I was feeling down and used to stroke his fur until I felt better..I always felt better with his warm brown eyes wondering what was wrong.. but not needing to do anything but be there as a warm place to rest.
Warm regards
Helen Secker
Hey Craig,
Good story Stephen, thanks for sharing. When i was doing VCE PE i had a teacher who told amazing stories. “Back when i was captain coach i kicked 6 goals from full back whilst keeping the full forward goaless Etc. Etc. We loved those stories and to this day we still share all the stories becuase they were so awesome. Though we barely remember what we learnt during class, we remember 15-20 stories he told.
But a funny thing happened as well. I was never a runner growing up but we had so much respect for this guy that when he said do run for the kids (in Melb) we all did it. It changed my life because i am now in awesome shape all thanks to this advice (i have run all the R4Kids and consistently run 10km 5 times a week).
Another thing that has stuck with me is when he said now kids ‘stay off the turps (alcohol) while your doing VCE’ and he went and told a story about how he had seen a couple of really bright people screw up their VCE because they were smashed every weekend. As a result a group of 18 year old public school kids stayed off the turps and did real well in our VCE and life to date.
We took this guys advice even though he was the ultimate footy playing, beer drinking, alpha-male we respected him so much we stayed off the turps.
This combination of life lessons from stories has changed my life more than the knowledge i learnt in any subject. Made me more disciplined with alcohol “cue voice – now stay off the turps kids”
and put me in great physical and mental shape through physical exercise. That is something a school does not teach but i am incredibly thankful for.