The first time I heard professional speaker trainer Barbara Miller, I was moved to tears—along with everyone else in the room. It was one of the most transformative lessons I’ve ever experienced about what emotional storytelling is truly all about. In today’s issue, I’ll take you back to that day, so you can witness how someone can do more than just tell a story—they can transport you to a place where stories resonate deeply: the heart.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• 3 actionable ways to ‘speak from the heart’ & connect with any audience

• A fun fact about the body’s love hormone & why it matters in storytelling

• A video by a master at speaking from the heart, Scott Harrison, Founder of Charity Water

From my heart to yours…LG

Founder Mentor Story: Barbara Miller, Speaker Trainer

Years ago, I encountered an extraordinary woman named Barbara Miller at a leadership training event. She was heading up a session titled "Speaking from the Heart," and her expertise was evident from her impressive background. Barbara had worked with hundreds of organizations and law firms, coaching thousands of people in communication improvement. Her clientele included preparing interviewees for major TV shows like "Today Show," "Nightline," and “NBC News”. 

Barbara began her session with a unique approach. She announced that she would tell two stories about fundraising for the same venture: the Rape Crisis Center she had co-founded. The first story was delivered in a matter-of-fact manner. She described the center as a safe haven for battered and abused women, explaining its function, a few stories of the women it had helped, and the operational aspects. And how one day it may be a place of refuge for someone you know. An important and needed service for women that few places to go, to say the least. 

She paused and then Barbara prepared to tell the same story again, but from a different emotional state. 

She stepped back, took a deep breadth, and closed her eyes for a few moments. Later, she revealed that during this brief interlude, she was recalling the feelings she had experienced when dealing with the women at the Center – their desperate situations and the new lives they were able to build.

When Barbara began the second version, her demeanor had completely changed. Her eyes were brighter, her face more expressive, and her body language more open. She started by sharing the story of a young woman who had come to the Center when it first opened. This woman had been badly beaten and feared for her life before finding refuge at the Center. Barbara vividly described the transformation she had witnessed in countless women – from battered and scared to joyful and hopeful.

She spoke about the numerous phone calls to the rape crisis line, where women, fearing for their lives, would plead for someone to save their children. Barbara's voice carried the weight of these experiences as she explained why she had helped create this 'safe place' – because she had seen the incredible impact it could make in a person's life.

Her closing words were simple yet powerful:

The impact of this second telling was profound. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. We had all been deeply moved, not just by the content of the story, but by the way Barbara had shared it. She had taken us on an emotional journey, allowing us to feel what she felt as she mentally walked the hallways of the Center. Her passion and commitment were palpable, leaving us not only touched but compelled to help.

She explained that this was the essence of "Speaking from the Heart." It wasn't just about sharing information; it was about tapping into the feelings that drive us, the reasons why we do what we do as founders. She emphasized that you don't always need to explicitly state your motivations – often, they come through in your delivery and the stories you choose to share.

Storytelling Lessons:  Feelings  >  Facts

Barbara became one of my mentors for the next few years, teaching me that when you speak from the heart, you don’t just inform your audience—you inspire them, move them, and compel them to action. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it, and more importantly, how much of yourself you’re willing to put into your words.

Here are 3 ways to tap into that founder heart of yours:

1. GET TO YOUR PLACE:
   Barbara's method involves accessing a mental state that taps into the emotions behind your story. Before sharing your narrative:

   - Think about why you're involved in your venture and why it moves you emotionally.
   - Embrace these feelings and let them show in your face, eyes, and body language.
   - Channel the energy from this emotional place as you tell your story.

2. SHARE PERSONAL EXPERIENCES:
   Compelling stories create lasting impressions and deep connections:

   - Share personal experiences that resonate with your audience.
   - Focus on the human elements of your story, not just facts and figures.
   - Create moments that help you connect emotionally such as transformations

3. SHARE FEELINGS AS WELL AS FACTS:
   The power of a great story lies in how it makes people feel:

   - Tap into authentic feelings – the warm sensations of perfect moments, the knots in your stomach from periods of despair, or the excitement of visualizing your venture's impact.
   - Allow your emotions to be visible in your physical presence – in your stance, voice, & eyes.

Speaking from the heart not only makes your story more compelling but also creates a genuine connection with your audience. This approach can be invaluable in pitching to investors, inspiring team members, or connecting with customers inviting them to be part of your vision and journey.

Fun Fact: How Oxytocin Builds Trust

Research shows that trust is crucial in both personal connections and consumer behavior, and heartfelt storytelling builds that trust effectively. A Frontiers in Neuroscience study reveals that emotionally engaging stories can boost oxytocin levels by up to 47%, enhancing bonding and empathy. This has significant implications for businesses, as the 2019 Edelman Trust Barometer Report indicates that 81% of consumers need to trust a brand before purchasing.

Video to Watch: Charity Water: Unshaken

A stellar example of an entrepreneur that speaks from the heart is Scott Harrison, founder of Charity: Water. To witness Scott's storytelling mastery, watch "CHARITY WATER: Unshaken - charity: water's campaign for Haiti." This video showcases his ability to blend personal experiences, compelling visuals, and a genuine call to action into an unforgettable narrative.

SOFE Issue #007 - Why Your Story Falls Flat—and How Speaking from the Heart Fixes It

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