It’s my turn to speak and share a highlight from the past week. The instructor’s eyes turn to me. So do everyone else’s in the room.
I’m sitting among eight couples, all expecting their first child in just a few weeks. My wife is beside me. We’re here to learn what to expect as new parents and to build a social support network.
I begin…
“I generally consider myself a very safe driver. But recently, I was caught being naughty.” A big laugh echoes around the room. I continue, “And so last week, I did a speed awareness training.” Another laugh. “And now, I hope to be an even safer driver for my family.”
Bit over.
The warm-up exercise continues as we go around the room. But later, during a breakout session, a couple approaches us to share how one of them had just gone through something similar. Someone else tells me he recently saw two camera flashes on the motorway—one on the way there and another on the way back—and was hoping they’d be lenient and count it as one offence. Another couple tells me they recently moved house because their previous one was on a busy road with fast traffic. I joke, “Who are these people who speed?”—to much amusement.
A simple story sparked engaging conversations. It helped create connections because it related to experiences others had.
But stories, like great recipes, have different ingredients. Given the context of this one, here are five simple ingredients that can help you connect with your audience:
- A personal touch
I was invited to share something about my week, but even without a prompt, a personal story reveals something about you that others can relate to. And that’s what builds connection.
- The right portion size
This was a quick, around-the-room warm-up. The unspoken rule? Keep it under 30 seconds. The right length for the right setting is crucial. The last thing you want is for your audience to wonder when you’ll stop.
- A dash of humour
The bar for humour is usually quite low. Even a small dose tends to land well as long as it isn’t inappropriate or forced. Laughing at yourself is generally a safe bet—it makes you appear confident and likeable.
- A sprinkle of relevance
A story should be engaging, but it must also serve a purpose. A personal anecdote can add impact even to a business presentation—so long as you establish a clear link to the topic.
- A well-mixed narrative arc
Even a short story benefits from structure. Mine started with thinking I was a safe driver, then making a mistake that challenged that belief, followed by an action I took to correct it, and finally, a learning outcome—becoming a safer driver for my family. This tied in perfectly with the group’s focus on family and safety.
A great story leaves a lasting impression and can spark unexpected connections. So next time it’s your turn to speak, share something personal—maybe even a little silly. Were you flashed by a speeding camera? Own it. You might be surprised by the positive response.