Stories that Stick (ft. Kindra Hall)

Mic Drop

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1+ y ago 40:42

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Stories that Stick (ft. Kindra Hall)

A master storyteller on what works, what matters, and what doesn’t work or matter

OPENING QUOTE:

“We get to know people through their stories, and they're asking themselves in that moment as you come out on stage: "I'm spending the next hour with this person, do I like them? Do I connect with them? Do I feel like they're related to me in any way? Do I trust them?”

-Kindra Hall:

GUEST BIO:

Kindra Hall is the best selling author of Stories That Stick: How Storytelling Can Captivate Customers, Influence Audiences, and Transform Your Business. Kindra is one of the busiest keynote speakers on the scene, helping global brands better communicate the value of their company, their products and their individuality through strategic storytelling. She's also the Chief Storytelling Officer at SUCCESS Magazine, where she shares the inspiring, often untold stories of achievers like Daymond John, Deepak Chopra, James Altucher and Misty Copeland in print and on the podcast SUCCESS Stories with Kindra Hall.

Links:

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[6:00] - The Four Key Elements of a Great Story

Kindra’s secret sauce for amazing storytelling

Kindra lists four key components of great storytelling— First, they need an identifiable character. It can be you or someone else, but it needs to be someone your audience can identify with.

Next, a story needs authentic emotion. It doesn’t have to make your audience cry, but it needs to make them feel something.

Third— a story needs a moment. It’s a point in the story where the listener can “come in and sit right there next to you,” experiencing what you or the main character experienced.

Finally, a story needs specific details. This adds to the image your audience is creating in their minds, making your story more vivid and impactful.

[14:48] - Intros & Ending

How Kindra thinks about two of the most important parts of a keynote

When it comes to intros, Kindra has a strong stance: “Always start with the story.” That’s how your audience will get to know you, much more than listing out your credentials or resume.

As far as endings, Kindra ties all the concepts she’s gone on to discuss back to that original story. It brings everything full-circle, and helps solidify the concepts discussed because they tie back to her original narrative. This leaves a lasting impression and ties emotion and feelings to the intellectual side of what’s been discussed.

[22:36] - Kindra’s Storytelling Heroes

Influential names you may not know

Kindra lists her mentor, Donald Davis, as one of her storytelling heroes. She cites his traditional storytelling chops and ability to make life’s everyday moments have power and value as one of her biggest inspirations. Kindra also lists the opening story of Glennon Doyle’s book Untamed, despite its status as being considered “overhyped.” It clearly struck a chord with a wide range of people— the hallmark of a great story.

[29:16] - Kindra’s Storytelling No-Nos

Taking a stand against emotional manipulation

Two things Kindra feels strongly about in stories and keynotes— don’t cry, and don’t tell stories that have no purpose other than to make your audience cry. Becoming emotional onstage might feel like it will convey vulnerability and impact, but the truth is that it takes the focus off your audience and puts it on you. You’re meant to be the deliverer of the message, not the central star of the message.

Meanwhile, Kendra says that while stories should be emotionally resonant, they also need to tie back to your message on an intellectual level. Ask yourself what the purpose of a story you share actually is— if it doesn’t go any deeper than “making the audience cry,” cut it out.

[32:52] - More than an Ovation

Kindra’s real measure of a great keynote

Many speakers measure success in standing ovations. But Kindra uses another metric. Does anyone come up to her after the keynote and ask to discuss its message with her further? Does anyone speak to her about speaking at another event? These are signs that she’s made a lasting impression after leaving the stage and concluding the event. That’s the true measure of keynote success.

RESOURCES:

[23:02] About Donald Davis
[24:02] Untamed, by Glennon Doyle
[24:40] New York Times Metropolitan Diary

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ABOUT MIC DROP:

Hear from the world’s top thought leaders and experts, sharing tipping point moments, strategies, and approaches that led to their speaking career success. Throughout each episode, host Josh Linkner, #1 Innovation keynote speaker in the world, deconstructs guests’ Mic Drop moments and provides tactical tools and takeaways that can be applied to any speaking business, no matter it’s starting point. You'll enjoy hearing from some of the top keynote speakers in the industry including: Ryan Estis, Alison Levine, Peter Sheahan, Seth Mattison, Cassandra Worthy, and many more. Mic Drop is sponsored by ImpactEleven.

Learn more at: MicDropPodcast.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Josh Linkner is a Creative Troublemaker. He believes passionately that all human beings have incredible creative capacity, and he’s on a mission to unlock inventive thinking and creative problem solving to help leaders, individuals, and communities soar.

Josh has been the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which sold for a combined value of over $200 million and is the author of four books including the New York Times Bestsellers, Disciplined Dreaming and The Road to Reinvention. He has invested in and/or mentored over 100 startups and is the Founding Partner of Detroit Venture Partners.

Today, Josh serves as Chairman and Co-founder of Platypus Labs, an innovation research, training, and consulting firm. He has twice been named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and is the recipient of the United States Presidential Champion of Change Award.

Josh is also a passionate Detroiter, the father of four, is a professional-level jazz guitarist, and has a slightly odd obsession with greasy pizza.

Learn more about Josh: JoshLinkner.com