Humans do business with humans. You are not just your service: you are multi-dimensional. You might not find you interesting but the things that are everyday to you are novel to someone else. Today it’s time to tell a story.
ACTIVITY TWO: TELL A STORY
You will need:
- a countdown timer (the clock app on your phone will do just nicely)
- your writing from yesterday
- about 30 minutes
Directions:
Re-read what you wrote yesterday. Did anything surprise you? Did anything come up that you completely forgot about? Did you have a sudden urge to write a book or go backpacking or do a TED talk?
As you’re re-reading, notice what’s coming up for you. Write about it. Refine any thoughts you started yesterday. Write until you’re dry or until the time pressure starts to get to you.
If you woke up with your brain bubbling with ideas, now is the time to get them down.
Add to what you wrote yesterday or start a fresh page.
Scan everything you’ve written and look for a vivid story – a memory or an explanation or a moment.
Got one?
We’re going to turn this into a brief story. Even if you don’t feel like a natural writer, stick with it. The end results will be worth the effort.
If you can’t write briefly, write long. You can always edit down.
Write as if you were telling the story to an acquaintance – someone who knows you but wouldn’t be able to guess what’s going on in your head.
If you’re having trouble telling the story, start with a recount of the facts. Then add in how you felt. Then add in what it meant.
Set a timer for 5 minutes.
Go.
How is it looking?
What are you happy with?
We’re going to set a timer for another 5 minutes.
If it’s long, try to edit it down to a paragraph.
If it’s short, try to extend it out as long as you can.
If it’s unclear, try rewording bits of it.
Go.
Turn to a fresh page.
Set the timer for 1 minute.
Write the story in one sentence.
Go.
How did you go?
It’s hard. Yes. But it doesn’t take much time.
One more.
Try writing it in short sentences as if it were a picture book for 5 year olds.
Set a timer for 3 minutes.
Go.
And you thought you weren’t a writer!
There are so many ways you can write a story. And this was just the story of one small part of your life.
Tomorrow, we’re going to talk about telling your story to your target customers.
