Imogen Short’s Post

Last week, I brought one of my favorite humans—my dad, aka my Chief Curiosity Officer—to a roundtable chat with Ken Burns at the National Press Club. Ken Burns doesn’t just dig up history; he resurrects it. Dates, documents, and dusty photographs transform into vibrant, emotional journeys. Whether he’s exploring the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, the heartbreak of the Civil War, or the rhythm of jazz, Burns doesn’t just inform us—he connects us to the human spirit. As a storyteller myself, I left inspired and reflective. Here’s what anyone with a message can take from his craft: ✨ The Power of Many Voices: Burns assembles a symphony of perspectives—narrators, quotes, visuals, and experts. The result? A story richer than any single voice could achieve. Are we bringing enough harmony into our messaging? ✨ Emotion Over Information: Facts are essential, but they’re the bones, not the heart. Burns masterfully shows that real stories about real people forge connections facts alone never will. Are we leaning into humanity in our narratives? ✨ Slow and Steady Wins the Audience: In a world chasing virality, Burns proves the beauty of deliberate storytelling. Sometimes, the silence between words is where the power lies. Are we giving our audiences a moment to breathe, absorb, and reflect? ✨ Relevance Through Reflection: Burns’s stories may live in the past, but their impact is firmly in the present. They force us to see ourselves in history’s mirror. Are we weaving today’s relevance into our work? Ken Burns reminded me that stories don’t just happen—they’re sculpted, layered, and shared with care. The best ones don’t speak to us—they resonate within us.

Speaking the language of people--#stories--is not what corporate culture has taught you to do. You're encouraged to share facts and data...just get to the point. But at the heart of every important message is the need to connect with your audience, intellectually and emotionally. They need both to take action on your ideas. If you'd like help to unearth your #story and tell it effectively, let us know in the comments or reach out to Rance Greene directly. We'd love to hear more about your challenge...and help you conquer it!

What's the last terrible story you sat through? You know the ones I’m talking about. Three minutes in, and you're thinking, "What's the point of this?" Yeah. Those stories… So what went wrong? Here’s where most stories fail: Stories that start 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰 don’t pull you in Stories that start 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐤 don’t grab you Stories that start 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐭 don’t move you Here’s how we fix this: 1. Skip the prelude 2. Dive into the conflict immediately 3. Start with a moment where everything’s at stake Next time you tell a story, skip the fluff. Get right into the tension. Show them what’s at stake, and they won’t just listen, they’ll lean in. They’ll feel it. Remember these 3 storytelling principles: 🔷 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐬 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 🔷 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 🔷 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 If you’re ready to start telling stories that stick, let’s chat. DM me.

𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀: It’s election season, and political leaders flood the airwaves with promises and plans. But the ones who truly capture our attention, the ones whose words linger and aren’t just rattling off statistics or policies. They’re telling stories. Stories of hope, struggle, and resilience. They’re painting pictures of a better tomorrow, tapping into emotions we all recognize: pride, fear, ambition, and the universal desire for a better life. As we bring our conversation on The Infinite Power of Speech to a close, let me share one final, transformative truth with you: Connection is the lifeblood of communication. And one of the most powerful ways to create that connection is by speaking directly to the heart. 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 Data and logic might inform, but emotions are what ignite belief and action. Think back to the most memorable speech you’ve ever heard. Chances are, it wasn’t just the facts that stood out, it was the moment that made you feel something. Perhaps it was a story of triumph over adversity, a vivid description of a shared dream, or a simple, heartfelt truth that resonated deeply. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 Storytelling isn’t just about entertainment or Hollywood movies; it’s about creating a connection. It’s about saying, I see you, I understand you, and we’re in this together. When you weave personal stories, vivid imagery, and heartfelt insights into your message, you invite your audience to not just listen but to feel. And when people feel something, they’re far more likely to act. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 Emotion doesn’t replace logic, it enhances it. Ground your data in relatable, human experiences. Let your audience see themselves in your stories and your message will stick like glue. So, the next time you speak, don’t just aim for minds. Aim for hearts. Share a moment, a story, or a dream that stirs something deep within. Because when your audience feels connected to you, they won’t just hear your message, they’ll believe in it. And belief? That’s where transformation begins. Your words have the power to move mountains. Start by moving hearts. Like, share and comment; I'd love to hear from you! Photo: Sika captivating the class with her storytelling!

"🌍 Meet Emma: passionate about saving the planet but feeling invisible in a crowded room. 💭 Sound familiar? Join our free workshop and learn how to turn your ideas into impactful narratives that captivate audiences and drive change. 🚀 Emma discovered the power of storytelling, body language, and tonality to make her voice heard as a thought leader in environmental science.  Ready to lead the way like Emma?  Sign up now and start your journey to becoming a confident speaker and changemaker!  https://lnkd.in/g5fFnMqQ #EnvironmentalActivism #SpeakUp #ChangeMakers"

A new episode of The Breakthrough Advisor™ is now live! Here, Dr. Amy D’Aprix shares invaluable insights on navigating life-changing client conversations at the moments that matter. For example, one of the topics she talks about is the three levels of listening: ➡️ Listening to reply: Focused on formulating a response while the other person is speaking ➡️ Listening to the content: Emphasizes understanding factual information conveyed by the speaker ➡️ Listening to understand: Involves deep empathy and comprehension of the speaker's underlying emotions and intentions Want to see it in action in an advisor-client conversation? Play this short clip today ⬇️ #TheBreakthroughAdvisor #FinancialAdvisors #ActiveListening #LifeTransitions #ClientConversations

I make up a lot of stories. The truth is, we all do it—it’s completely normal. “I’m never going to get that job!” “She always tells me I’m wrong!” “The refs always side with the Chiefs!” Sound familiar? We’re natural storytellers, skilled at crafting narratives and cherry-picking evidence to back up what we believe is true. Recently, I worked with a client who wanted to turn down the volume on her own storytelling. She started by recounting an event from years ago because it reminded her of a similar conflict she had just last week. She described, in vivid detail, all the thoughts she had about the other person involved: “I was thinking she was thinking this, so I knew I had to email her that way, to position myself this way, and prove that I was right because she was thinking this.” I asked her, “What proof did you have that she was thinking any of those things?” She paused, then admitted she had no idea what the other person was truly thinking. And yet, she had been carrying this story for years—allowing it to shape how she handled a similar situation this time around. This is such a human thing to do. We all create stories like this every. single. day. Then, I asked her, “What would you gain if you stopped telling yourself these elaborate stories?” Her answer? “I’d gain more energy and calmness because I wouldn’t waste time ruminating about things I don’t know the truth about—or worrying over scenarios I’ve made up in my head.” That hit me. And she’s right. It’s easier said than done, but the payoff is huge. When we can pause and realize that we are filling our heads with stories, we gain energy, peace, and time. Letting go of these narratives means shedding the unnecessary baggage we carry into our future—and living a freer, lighter life in the present moment. What about you? Does this resonate? How do you manage the stories you tell yourself? #coach #professionalcoach #changeagent #energycoach #energyleadership #energyleadershipcoach

The Power of Following Your Gut: A Lesson in Resilience Recently, I joined a group focused on the transformative power of storytelling and how we can share our personal journeys in meaningful, impactful ways. During one of these conversations, I connected with someone who had once been a thriving business owner but was forced to close their business due to the lockdown. I asked them, “What’s been your biggest lesson through it all?” Their response was profound: “Follow your instincts. Trust your gut.” It struck me how often we overlook this inner compass, especially during tough times. In a world full of advice, strategies, and opinions, sometimes the best guide is already within us. 💡 Here’s my takeaway: Whether you’re navigating challenges in business or life, never underestimate the power of your intuition. It’s a skill worth listening to, refining, and trusting. What’s a moment when trusting your instincts led to something powerful in your life? I’d love to hear your story—let’s inspire one another!

How Can You Spark Connections Through Your Personal Stories? How Can You Spark Connections Through Your Personal Stories? In a world overflowing with noise and distractions, personal narratives serve as the lifeboats that guide us through the sea of human experience. When we share our vulnerabilities, failures, and triumphs, we invite others to join us on a journey of connection. Authenticity is key—skip the picture-perfect façade and embrace the messy, awkward moments that make us human. By sharing relatable tales, you engage your audience and create a bridge of understanding. Context matters too; consider who you're speaking to and tailor your stories to resonate with their struggles and victories. Emotions are the heart of storytelling, evoking laughter, sadness, and nostalgia that linger in the hearts of readers. Encourage engagement by inviting your audience to share their stories, fostering a sense of community and connection. Embrace vulnerability, tap into emotions, and let authenticity shine in your storytelling. Your truth has the power to change lives, starting with your own. So, share your tale and watch as the threads of connection weave a tapestry of meaning that resonates far beyond the words on a page. It's not just something—it's everything. #Authenticity...