AUTHOR: Lolly
what can I write my presentation story about?
It was only at the end of a three-hour discovery workshop with the CEO of what was, essentially, a florist on a grander scale that I asked the most important question of the whole project:
"Have you always been a florist?"
We were wrapping up the session, and he hadn’t been what I’d expected—too slick, too corporate—and, shoot me, I’m a curious gal.
"I was a banker who went to prison for embezzlement."
fuck the last three hours. let's dig into this.
I won’t even charge you for the extra time. It wasn’t just curiosity—that was the story. A story about lessons learned the hard way, mistakes made so that others didn’t have to, and a better future conjured up in a cell. And, luckily for both of us, he let me tell it.
vulnerability makes for the best stories
Now, I’m not saying you need to commit crimes just for something to talk about at dinner parties. I’m also not not saying that.
But if you want to become the thing they tell stories about, you need to live a little. And you need to be brave enough to tell the real story—handcuffs and all. That’s the level of vulnerability an audience needs to create instant connection—and those are the stories they’ll remember.
use your most personal stories to create connection - and sales
But who’s going to trust an ex-con?
Well. My florist friend went from one customer to basically popping up everywhere I fucking look these days.
it's yours to tell - but write club can help you tell it better
Promise us, if we ever sit in a discovery workshop together, don’t sit on a story. Stop being such a damn tease and let us have it. We’ll mould it into your future success story.
give us the tea
video
Reading is tough. Rest your weary eyes on this moving picture instead.