I recently had an opportunity to coach an exceptionally bright young medical student who was preparing for a grueling series of virtual medical residency interviews. After our first several practice sessions, I came to one conclusion—he wasn’t sharing his authentic story; instead, he was trying to show a sterile, perfect version of a medical student that one might find in a CV. He grew up in an environment that did not support high educational goals, and his life had been filled with significant challenges, opportunities, and successes. The reasons he went to medical school and what he wanted to achieve as a physician were beyond compelling. He just hadn’t been prepared to share his story…
I also recently had the opportunity to introduce the keynote speaker at the 2023 University of New Mexico Student Awards. Also, a young man in his 20s, this university alum, shared a story of some of his life’s challenges – parents who struggled with addiction, fighting bone cancer in his teens, and ultimately losing a leg in his 20s due to a bicycle crash. He spoke about him and other young cancer patients looking out the window of the University of New Mexico hospital onto the UNM main campus, hoping that they would live long enough to go to college and participate in the joy they saw outside their windows. His story left much of the audience in tears.
I am a fan of stories. Stories make words and ideas come alive. They provide examples and perspectives that resonate with an audience, making points more relevant and helping people connect visually and emotionally with a person, idea, or topic.
I am celebrating my fourth anniversary at AMM Consulting. I am so glad to have worked with an amazing variety of clients on meaningful and impactful projects—organizational strategic plans, policy and stakeholder outreach strategy and implementation, communications and training and coaching, and program development.
Regardless of the type of work, one common denominator is critical to success – clear, compelling communications that draw in an audience. Whether serving as an event speaker, interviewing for a job, sharing your strategic plan, discussing projects with stakeholders, making a case for new local, state, or federal policy, or selling an idea to your colleagues, a powerful story helps draw in an audience.
I lead my clients through a process of identifying and developing compelling stories that connect with audiences. Check out my updated website and my communications services at www.ammconsultingstrategies.com.
And by the way, the medical student got into a top residency of his choice. His story made quite a difference!