Storyshowing

Storyshowing is an instruction manual for making connections. Storytelling has been shown to be one of the most effective methods of persuasion, motivation and inspiration, yet the disconnect remains — you're still only telling. To truly influence people, you need to go deeper than that — you need to show them your story. By inviting your audience in, you connect on a much deeper, more emotional level; you bypass the brain and connect at the root of what it means to be human, leaving a profound impact on their entire outlook. This book shows you how to transcend telling and start showing your story, using an easy-to-follow framework you can start applying today. Unearth your own experiences, and bring your vulnerabilities out into the light; share your emotions and forge a path to true communication. Use images, body language and gestures as tools to build that indelible connection; then and only then will people truly engage and transform their thinking.

No matter your message, the impact lies in the delivery. This insightful guide equips you with the tools and skills you need to start communicating like never before.

• Share more powerful stories using a simple 5-step method
• Build confidence, influence others and make a deeper connection
• Be more persuasive in presentations, pitches, calls and talks
• Transform the way people think by inviting them inside your story

The difference between telling and showing is like the difference between a lecture and a play. It's the difference between giving information and taking the audience on a journey. The difference between a brochure and a test drive. Storyshowing helps you level up your communication to leave a lasting, more profound impact.

About the author ix

Acknowledgements xi

Introduction: I told you so! xiii

1 So why are stories important? 1

2 Beginning, middle and end 13

3 Giving structure to your story 29

4 The toggle 43

5 Building your content 51

6 Stand up and show your story 65

7 From average to outstanding 83

8 The four disrupters of the speaking industry 93

9 The future of story 101

10 Show, don’t tell 111

Conclusion: How telling then showing helped me 123

References 131

SAM CAWTHORN is a bestselling author, a speaker and an award-winning educator who reaches over 100 million people every year. He is the CEO of Speakers Institute and a Young Australian of the Year. Sam resides in Sydney with his wife Kate and their three children.

The power of story is indisputable; the power of showing is transformational

Stories have the power to inspire, influence and motivate, but why do so many great stories fail to deliver on this promise? Often, the problem is not the story, but the way it is told. Storyshowing challenges the way we think about and use stories in our businesses, organisations and campaigns and shows how to change your approach to the art of influence—for the better.

Inside, you'll learn how to use your own experiences, emotions and vulnerability to build a connection with your audience and take them on a journey that will ultimately lead to action.

Discover the key to:

• motivate and inspire others
• authentically connect with your audience
• transcend others' way of thinking
• becoming a more influential communicator.

If you want your stories to lead to action, it's time to stop telling them and to start showing them.