“I booked the training package because I had known Ann for many years, she is a dear friend and the amazing thing about Ann is that she is a brilliant storyteller, and I wanted a bit of what she has.
I didn't think that communication was my one of my strengths, and I was in a very senior leadership role at that time that required a lot of presenting in front of big teams with expertise that I was very aware I didn't have. I wanted a way to develop my knowledge and skills of presenting such that I would be more engaging and more purposeful. We worked together on a project where I wanted to enhance the storytelling element; an important end-of-year presentation to the entire company,
I think critically what I gained was a foundation of confidence. It was a confidence built of an understanding around what good storytelling looks like and how I might be able, at some point, to become a good storyteller. What was really helpful was having a framework that I might draw upon to deliver better and more engaging, purposeful presentations. Day to day, I feel more confident in communicating now, telling a story and engaging with people. And I love Jeopardy and I introduce a bit of that now and again!
I think there was a nice cadence to the way the training was played out. We spent a number of sessions meeting in person, and then online, Ann was very good at helping me learn at the right pace, she used my own brand and how I might describe myself, as a vehicle to introduce concepts around storytelling and to build that understanding and confidence over time.
Because I already knew Ann, it felt slightly uncomfortable at first, perhaps because the process involved a degree of self-reflection, and I've already described myself not as a great communicator, so getting out my feelings and thoughts is sometimes challenging for me. But Ann is a brilliant enabler and she has a lovely, gentle style.
The 3 step process is a real help to me. I definitely still use it. I still don't feel a natural affinity to storytelling, so to have a template that helps me think about how I might communicate better, is really helpful.
The coaching helped me think differently, where it didn't come naturally to me, and I didn't understand the logic or the rationale. I guess as a pretty logical, scientific type person, it's useful for me to have a roadmap.“
What are your top tips for storytelling?
“Understand the capacity of your audience, and what their context is.
Be clear when you are ending.
Frame your story.
”
James Cox
Chief Financial Officer for Fresca Group Ltd
