沟通能力：做一个会讲故事的人

“To be a person is to have a story to tell.”

“一个人就是一段故事。”

——IsakDuneson

——丹麦作家爱莎克o迪内森

In previous articles on this blog we have shared our experience regarding the use of storytelling as one of the most powerful leadership tools available to modern leaders. It’s really no surprise, since leaders throughout the ages have used personal storie s, parable and anecdotes effectively to ensure that listeners could easily absorb and integrate information, knowledge, values and strategies.

在这个专栏打头的几篇文章中，我们已经分享了一些现代领导者如何将讲故事作为一种最强大领导力工具的经验。这并不出奇，古往今来的领导者都曾使用个人故事、寓言和轶事来帮助听众有效地吸取和整合信息、知识、价值与策略。

Beyond merely understanding the power of stories, however, there remains the need for specific action and commitment to become a storyteller. I hear people say: “Sure, I can see your point about telling stories…but do I really need to make the effort to become a storyteller myself? It doesn’t seem to come naturally to me.” My answer is always something like: “Yes, I understand. And there was also a time when walking, reading and writing, typing and using a computer program seemed unnatural. But when you clearly un derstood ‘why’ learning these skills was worth the time, you simply got busy and did it. Right?”

除了要懂得故事的力量，我们还需要知道怎样做才能成为一个会讲故事的人。我曾听人说过：“当然，我明白讲故事的意义，但我是否要付出一定努力，才能使自己变成一个会讲故事的人？这种能力貌似不是自然生成的。”我总会回答说：“是的，我理解。曾几何时，直立行走、读书写字、使用电脑也曾经是非常不自然的事。不过，一旦明白了‘为什么’学习这些技能是值得的，你就会很乐意这样做。对吗？”

So in this article I want to remind readers of the compelling reasons why it is worth your time to become an effective storyteller, in the hopes that more managers and leaders will just get busy learning to tell stories instead of just spewing out information, directives and platitudes. Here are some of the many reasons why it is

so worth it for you to decide, today, to become a great storyteller in 2015 and for

the rest of your life:

因此，在本文中，我想告诉读者，花点时间努力成为一个会讲故事的人，具有令人信

服的理由。但愿更多的经理人和领导者能够学会讲故事，而不是干巴巴地摆数据、定

方向、说一些陈辞滥调。接下来，我就给你说说为什么你应该在2015年、乃至余下的整个人生中，成为一个会讲故事的人。

People Remember and Share Stories.The human brain is actually structured to retain memories in story format, with a beginning, middle and end. Long after listeners have forgotten your data, they will remember your story, and the wisdom embedded within it. And, if your story is authentic and compelling they will eagerly share it with others. Many leadership stories from your personal experience even have the potential to go viral, taking on a life of their own, spreading far and wide in your organization or social networks.

人们会记住故事并分享故事。储存在人类大脑中的记忆往往是各种故事，故事有开始、过程和结局。哪怕听者忘掉你的数据已经很久了，他们仍会记得你的故事，以及其中

所隐含的智慧。如果你的故事是真实而吸引人的，他们会非常乐于与他人分享。很多

源自个人经历的领导力故事，甚至有可能获得自身的生命力，然后像病毒一样在你的

企业或社交网络上广泛传播。

Stories Engage all the Senses, Memories and the Emotions.Try this now, following

my instructions exactly: I now forbid you to imagine a purple elephant. I repeat: Do NOT think of a purple elephant right now. Further, I forbid you to imagine a purple elephant on roller skates, whizzing down a mountain road at 100 km per hour, with a bright red scarf around its’ neck, streaming behind it in the breeze. And do NOT imagine the blissful smile on the purple elephant’s face as it goes whizzing down the mountain, freedom of the ride.

故事会引起所有的感觉、记忆和情感。做个小试验，现在严格遵照我的指示：我现在

禁止你想象一头紫色的大象。重复一遍：现在不要想象一只紫色的大象。然后，不要

想象这头紫色的大象穿着溜冰鞋，以100公里的时速从山路上滑下，它的脖子上系着

一条在微风中飘动的鲜红围巾。不要想象它在滑行过程中脸上挂着喜悦而自由的微笑。

Ok, how did you do? The fact is, once you read my words, I instantly engaged your imagination and you have installed a purple elephant in your imagination. At the same time, you have accessed your own memories of moving at high speed, feeling joyful, bright red and purple colors. Stories are immediate, engaging and irresistible.

I told the story, but you created it in your own imagination, and you now own it. Perhaps you even smiled as you had fun doing this.