Most people think of books, movies, or motivational talks when they hear storytelling. However, storytelling is a bridge to connection, communication, and healing. No matter where you are, a well-told story can change how you relate to people and how they react.
Many clients I work with sound angry, defensive, or simply tired of not being understood. They’ve often been dismissed or treated poorly in the past, and some even tell me they refuse to work with me because they don’t trust the process or the person on the other end of the phone.
At first, it feels like a power struggle between the caller and the one calling. But I’ve learned their resistance isn’t about avoiding solutions—it’s about not having their story fully heard.
💬 From Conflict to Connection
Earlier this week, a client’s call came in quick and snappy. He was uninterested in anything I had to say about his account. Instinctively, I matched his defensiveness at first, but then I paused. Instead of pushing back, I lowered my tone, let him talk, and gave him the space to share what was weighing on him.
What came out wasn’t about missed payments at all. He was struggling to live a normal life after a medical accident. He was trying to cope with the loss of independence and the frustration of early retirement. When he finished, he apologized for his sharpness, and we moved forward as two people, not just as “agent” and “customer.”
🎓 Storytelling Outside the Workplace
Storytelling has uses outside of the workplace. Being a full-time college student, I’ve seen stories build connections. It’s okay not to over share, but being humble and showing your feelings makes for better conversations. It also shows us we are all still learning, teachable, and human.
🎭 Storytelling Isn’t a Performance
Many people think storytelling is a performance, like a TED Talk, and feel judged if it doesn’t match everyone’s expectations. The truth is, it’s not about attention. You don’t need to over share or reveal every detail of your journey. The key is knowing your audience and sharing the parts of your story that build trust, provide clarity, or help solve a problem. Sometimes that means speaking. Other times, it means simply listening.
🤔 Final Thoughts
I’ve learned that storytelling is healing because it allows people to be human. It makes tough talks easier, helps you build better work friendships, and can wrap things up neatly when things are awkward. Storytelling is a useful skill to practice, no matter who you are. When people feel heard, they’re more willing to listen. And that’s where actual progress begins.
Comments ()