PPP #40: Stories are in your DNA

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Storytelling Stories are in your DNA “Story, as it turns out, was crucial to our evolution -- more so than opposable thumbs. Opposable thumbs let us hang on; story told us what to hang...

PPP #39: Your life is your greatest teacher

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Storytelling Mine your experiences The best way to teach is by telling a story about a transformative moment in your life when you learnt a lesson. If you don’t think your life is interesting...

PPP #38: Forget the hype

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Storytelling Go with the flow Know where your story is going, but don't be precious about the destination. If you're rigid about the ending of your story, you miss the chance for some inspired...

PPP #37: Who do you want to be?

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Storytelling Bring the energy A story with no stakes is like a car with no engine...it’ll go nowhere. (Share this on Twitter) Leadership It’s all about trust Trust your team. Let them do...

PPP #36: The end

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Storytelling The end Meandering endings kill the momentum of your story. Avoid: • Summarising every plot point • Over-explaining the lessons of the story • Detailing what happened to each character Once you've reached...

PPP #35: Cancel that meeting

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Storytelling This is your moment Stand up when you're telling a story. When you sit, you confine yourself to a smaller space. Don't be afraid to be seen! Stand proudly and use the space...

PPP #34: Be provocative

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Storytelling Your story is the thing Minimise distractions when public speaking. It might be tempting to utilise video, images and sound within your presentation, but often they'll detract from your story. Keep them at...

PPP #33: The 5 minute challenge

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Storytelling Message matters Know what you want to say with your story. A clear message gives your story focus — it helps you decide what is essential and what isn't. But don't worry if...

PPP #32: Are you a dictator?

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Storytelling Make it simple but deep The best stories are structurally simple but emotionally complex. Don't be afraid to tell simple stories as long as you charge them with emotional depth. (Share this on...

PPP #31: How to tell if you’re a great leader

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Storytelling Hone your craft “Great stories happen to those that can tell them.“— Ira Glass (creator of This American Life) (Share this on Twitter) Leadership Influence your way to success The only accurate measure...

PPP #30: Fight! Fight! Fight!

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Leadership Earn your honesty Building a culture of transparency takes time. When a problem arises, don't lose your temper or point fingers. Analyse and find a solution. Do this every time bad news arrives,...

PPP #29: Cat Murder

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Leadership Stay grounded Self-awareness is key to great leadership. In every attribute that makes a good leader, there’s a seed of potential weakness: Charismatic yet deluded. Decisive yet dictatorial. Visionary yet impractical. Know your...