I love telling stories, all the time. At work, with friends, at home, with clients. Honestly, sometimes I think I spend too much time telling stories. Storytelling can be an effective business tool. Stories add impact to you presentations, speeches, and even your negotiations.

What if there are certain things you can’t say at work? I don’t mean the three taboos: Money, Sex, and Religion. I’m talking about when you’re in a sensitive-information area or in a highly-regulated industry. Some things must be kept quiet, confidential, or hidden at all costs, for good reason.

Randy and I sat down with Rebecca to hear more about her process, especially when she teaches storytelling workshops. Her advice on storytelling applies to speaking or presenting, too, so give a listen to our conversation, and learn how to do vulnerability right.

Ever since Brené Brown began promoting vulnerability as a good thing for leaders (and I’m a fan), “vulnerability” has become a huge buzzword everywhere - in storytelling, in presentations, in leadership meetings - anywhere someone needs to speak or lead.

Where I see most wannabe-persuaders fall short is in their mindset and preparation - not so much their words. Because how you prepare and how you approach your speech will affect the rest of it. ps - This applies to anything persuasive - sales pitches? Asking Mom & Dad for a car? Yep.

Clients often ask how they can manage, or overcome their stage fright. Should they take medications for stage fright? I can’t address the last one (I’m not a doctor….), and the good news is, yes, stage fright, or anxiety when presenting, is manageable.