Connections - September 2009 - 27

you could craft your own authentic story using emotional language, vibrant imagery, and simple language to illustrate to your audience “how a leader did, or did not, lead by example. This will drive your point home and make it memorable.” Stories stick, so it’s imperative to craft an authentic one. It has to be true to your character while still being reflective of what your audience imagines to be genuine. “Two thousand years ago Aristotle asked the question, ‘Can you be believed?’ His studies show that a person is not considered persuasive on the basis of his ability to rationally argue points, or simply stir emotion,” said Barnhill. “It is his credibility. His believability. Sincerity and trust always win in the end. People who appear slick when they represent themselves, even today, will meet resistance, and even hostility.” So the next time you’re at a networking event, forgo thinking about networking as an “ultimately narcissistic, selfish endeavor that rarely pays off,” said Godin. Instead, influence others by sharing your tales. Bring them to life. Touch on emotions. Keep it simple. You’ll soon find your authentic stories are a form of emotional marketing that will increase your success at business events. n local perspective THE STORyTELLER ANDREA McGARVEy — EDiTED by LORi bAER — everyone has a story to tell, especially andrea mcgarvey. as youth services Coordinator for the penn yan public library, mcgarvey tells stories on a daily basis. she began practicing the art of storytelling in college when she took a course as part of her theater major. “When I finished telling my story, the room was silently still, and then everyone broke into applause. In those moments, I had captured the audience and took them to a different time and place,” said mcgarvey. “I knew storytelling would be part of my career.” McGarvey shares elements of good storytelling: I layer my techniques such as inflection, pace, tone, physical movements and language. McGarvey explains layering: a story begins with static words. the storyteller builds anticipation with layers of slow speech, drawing long breaths or pausing. they layer in their voice as instruments to simulate noises or animal sounds. they anticipate how certain words will either roll off the tongue with velvet luxuriousness or a biting harshness. What makes storytelling magical for McGarvey: stories come alive only in the moment. even if you perform the same story every week, each performance finds uniqueness in the moment. you can’t rewind or press pause. to me, that’s fantastical. McGarvey’s thoughts on storytelling challenges: storytellers portray numerous characters and also serve as narrator without use of a set or props, costumes or fellow actors. storytellers must take people on an adventure with nothing but their person. McGarvey’s advice to non-storytellers: What you say and how you say it is important. Words should match your intended meaning. Click to recommend a savvy business tip September 2009 | Connections | 27

Connections - September 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Connections - September 2009