Have you met someone previously unknown to you that you instinctively understand is in touch with themselves and their story?  Within a short time talking with them, have you felt as if you’re already friends?

It is remarkable how quickly you can feel a sense of connection and trust.

The connection comes from their depth of personal exploration of where they sit in the present, and where they’re going in the future. And the stories they tell about it.

You know they won’t put you in the awkward position of having to think on your feet, ‘What did that mean? How should I respond to that? Did I understand that correctly?’

Because contextualized storytelling releases oxytocin in the brain and makes you feel empathetic and connected, building trust.

This is not a posture you can readily assume, not something you can will yourself into projecting.  It’s the result of clarity of purpose and principles, the accompanying desire to give back and knowing the context for your stories.

Contextualized storytelling is about giving —sharing with the listener an insight, an idea or a take-away. It’s never a sales pitch or an ego fest, because its intention is to serve.

That’s why  stories matter. And why they build connection and trust.

Explore your contextualised stories and how to tell them so they connect with others, give back from your deep well of value and transform lives. Here are the details on the next Changing Stories Group Membership program.