While undertaking research for my book Stories for Work: The Essential Guide to Business Storytelling, I came across the TED Talk of Neuroscientist Uri Hasson. His 2016 talk opened with the following:

Imagine if we invented a device that could record my memories, my dreams, my ideas and transmit them to your brain. That would be a game-changing technology, right? But, in fact, we already possess this device and it’s called the human communication system and effective storytelling.

Hasson’s research shows that even across different languages, our brains demonstrate similar activity when we hear a story, becoming what he calls ‘aligned’ or ‘synchronised’. The result is that we experience an emotional response to the story and the storyteller.

As we are all navigating the challenges of working from home, connection is now even more important. Imagine if we invented something that had the power to build and strengthen connections across any medium? Well of course we do… it’s effective storytelling.

Human Connection

During my storytelling workshops, every participant shares a story in small groups. To debrief, I ask them what they liked about the process. Without fail, participants talk about how they feel a greater connection with the people they shared their stories with.

While you and your teams navigate the possibility of working remotely for the unforeseeable future, it is important to not only focus on communication but also connection. Real human connection.

One of the added benefits of working from home is that we have had a glimpse into people’s personal lives. We have seen their pets, heard their kids in the background and got a glimpse of where they live. It feels like we have been asking people to bring their whole selves to work for years. Ironically, it has taken everyone working from home to achieve that.

Virtual Training

While face-to-face training is not possible in our current environment, I am conducting virtual training that is both engaging and highly interactive.

I am offering two virtual training programs. Both options could be of the greatest benefit for your teams, not only now but also for their future careers.

Business Storytelling to Connect and Engage

Human connection has always been important but as we navigate through a new world of physical distancing, it is even more critical. The ability to share stories more effectively is a lifelong skill with many applications in the workplace.

Presenting with Impact – Onstage or Online

This is a virtual training program that I developed for the Obama Foundation. I have added a component to this program to include how to present online as well as onstage …and believe me there is a difference. It was James Humes, author and a former US political speech writer that said:

“Every time you have to speak, you are auditioning for leadership.”

I couldn’t agree more. Presenting with impact is a skill well worth investing in.

If you are interested in any of the above for your team, then please let Elise know and she will set up a time for us to discuss the training.

Stay safe.