Episode #110: Storytelling that Sticks for Business and Life with Doug Stevenson

Stories have always been a way that we have shared information and influenced others. The power of stories predates modern society and carries such a powerful influence as a way to share experience and knowledge. But how do you “do storytelling” in a way that sticks?

Overview of Episode #110 --- 

• How storytelling can be used as a strategic communication tool.
• Top tips and tools for telling great stories.
• How to handle self-doubt and vulnerability when giving a talk.
• Self-care practices to stay centered and connected with ourselves when presenting.

I’m chatting with Doug Stevenson, the master of Storytelling that Sticks. Doug is a former professional actor with a colorful history. He has acted on stage in small roles in movies and on TV; he has also been a rock singer, a carpenter, a taxi driver, realtor, and finally found his calling as a professional speaker and speaker’s coach.

His gift for speaking developed into the Story Theater Method for Strategic Storytelling in Business, and for over 25 years, Doug has delivered keynote speeches and taught storytelling skills to leaders, salespeople, and marketing teams all over the globe. 

Based on the 9 steps of storytelling structure, he continues to coach his clients remotely, helping them to develop their messaging, become more confident in themselves, and connect inward with the message they are sharing with their audiences. 

Doug also emphasized that there is a danger in attempting to interpret your audience. Misinterpreting the energy of your audience while you are speaking can be detrimental to your message. Worst of all, you may be totally wrong with what you interpret, derailing your presentation for no reason. Always connect inward. Connect with yourself and do what you do; let your audience connect with you in their own way. 

This episode is full of so much insight and wisdom into how stories can make a huge influence on the way our messages are delivered to our audience, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Tune in today to hear more about Doug’s story and to learn more about how a good story can change the way your message makes it out into the world. 

In this episode: 

[00:01:06] Welcome to the Wake Up Eager Workforce Podcast!

[00:01:58] Suzie introduces her guest, Doug Stevenson. 

[00:04:01] Doug Stevenson shares his background and how he became a Story Theater Coach for Strategic Storytelling in Business. 

[00:15:52] Doug shares about the work he does now to coach his students virtually.

[00:19:20] How Doug helps his clients develop their messaging. 

[00:22:53] The danger of interpreting the audience. 

[00:29:41] The secrets to connecting inward. 

[00:32:15] Drawing the line between bragging or apologizing while speaking to your audience. 

[00:36:56] The best stories are about mistakes, failures, and small disasters

[00:39:18] Why do stories work so well? 

[00:44:26] The biggest influences in Doug’s life and career.  

[00:51:26] Doug’s strategies to stay centered in Mind, Body, and Spirit. 

[01:01:15] Doug’s advice to his 25-year-old self. 

[01:03:23] What would Doug’s billboard say?

[01:06:50] Thanks for joining us today, Doug!

[01:07:13] Thanks for joining us in this episode of The Wakeup Eager Workforce Podcast!

Information Shared in the Podcast:

The Story Theater Method by Doug Stevenson 
Storytelling That Sticks for Business and Life Podcast 
W.Mitchell
Garrison Keillor 
The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield

Related Podcasts and PPD Articles:

Executive Presence Podcasts 

Related Services or Sample Reports or Images:

Wake Up Eager Leader Coaching 

Connect with Doug:

Storytelling in Business 

Connect with Suzie:

1. LinkedIn: Suzie Price
2. LinkedIn: Priceless Professional Development
3. LinkedIn: Wake Up Eager Workforce Podcast

Special Episode Giveaway

Fifty Workplace Motivators Assessments*  This is a $350 value!

We will send a complimentary assessment link to the first fifty people who take a few minutes to share a podcast review and let Suzie know. Once you have your Assessment results, go to www.motivatorsppd.com to watch the debrief video and use hundreds of resource materials.

*The Workplace Motivators Assessment takes ten minutes to complete and is a robust tool for measuring a person's top drivers and interests. (Sample Report ) Use your complimentary for yourself or give it to an employee, family member, or friend. 

QR CODE takes you to www.motivatorsppd.com

PRICELESS RESOURCES
PODCAST: Subscribe to our Podcast or Help Us and Leave a Review 

NEWSLETTER: Sign up for Monthly Email Updates 

PODCAST: Most Recent Episodes      Directory of All Episodes 

RELATED DEVELOPMENT SERVICES:

• Certification: Become the Expert: Assessment Certification Training
• Hiring: Hiring: Secret to Superior Performance
• Surveys: 360 Feedback and Organizational Surveys
• Complimentary Consulting Call or Send Us Feedback: Contact Suzie