April 20, 2023 – Several months ago, on the way home from the airport, I popped into a Waffle House, sat down, and ordered some lunch. As I turned to my right, I noticed a woman in tattered clothing sitting alone with her head down in a booth. Hoping to brighten her day, I said hello. She quickly perked up, smiled, and shot me a, “What choo do for work?” After telling her I teach people how to sell and how I travel a lot for work, she said to me, “Name’s Wilma. And Wilma says you get your butt home. And don’t forget what’s most important. It’s your wife and kids. And on the way home, you get that wife some flowers at the Price Chopper. That’ll make her feel special.”
After chatting for a while with Wilma, I jumped in the car and drove home. And as I pulled into the Price Chopper, I realized that while my aim was to help brighten Wilma’s day, it was Wilma who brightened mine by reminding me who my number one customers really are, my family.
The story above is a condensed version of a real one I use in one of my presentations to illustrate how there are learning lessons all around us. I also sometimes use that story when I want to make a point about understanding who our number one customers are: family and friends. At other times I use that story to discuss the importance of being a good listener.
Now let’s say I didn’t use a story to illustrate my point. Let’s say I just stood in front of an audience and said, ‘Okay everybody. You are all spending way too much time at work and not enough time with your loved ones. You need life balance!” Do you think I would move my audience? (Probably, because they would be moving to the exits.) But instead, by telling a story, a point can be made that allows the audience to paint their own picture. And in that picture is the lesson. The story helps them better understand your message.
Read more in the latest issue of Repertoire Magazine.