Esther Choy, Author at Leadership Story Lab

Experts Weigh In On Attention, Memory and Retention

Our conversation with Dr. Gemma Briggs, senior lecturer in psychology at The Open University: 1. In the “Busting the Attention Span Myth” article on BBC, you argue that attention spans are not getting shorter, and that the idea of an “average” attention span is not meaningful. Is this good news for public speakers? Yes, the…

Mothers Are Leadership Storytellers. Here’s Why.

In 2015, when my daughters were six and three, I jotted down the following story: Tonight the girls are trying to go to sleep, with Dad keeping them company in the rocking chair. All of a sudden Alina sits up on her bed and begins a dramatic episode of ‘I’m-too-scared-to-sleep.’ Then, Melia [her younger sister]…

Are You Prepared To Tell Persuasive Stories At A Moment’s Notice?

In my last post, I mentioned that while interviewing MBA candidates, I saw how their efforts to prepare often backfired. Preparation made them cling to their rehearsed answers, rather than listening closely to what I was truly asking, and answering in an authentic, informed way. Thankfully, there are tools for connecting authentically with your interviewer…

Don’t Forget This Key Element of Job Interview Prep

Last time you had a job interview, what lengths did you go to in order to prepare? Bonus points if your job interview prep included buying new clothes or hiring a coach! When we want to land a new job we’re excited about, we try to plan the details. But do those details include…

Discover Someone’s Character In 20 Minutes

At one very memorable Leadership Story Lab workshop a few years ago, a participant named Mary Johnson sat down to exchange stories with a partner. After they interviewed each other, the partner shared Mary’s story: When packing for a trip to Australia, you normally think of taking your swimsuit, sunglasses, and sunblock. However, for…

How To Make Your Employees Feel Valued

A 2018 Gallup poll made a strong connection between an increase in employee engagement and “recognition received for work accomplishments.” Employee engagement is as high it has ever been since Gallup started tracking it in 2000–yet it is still just 34%. This makes it likely that a large portion of any organization’s workforce could stand…

Earn Your Right to Tell Stories: 5 Quotes to Inspire You

We must earn the right to our audience’s attention. Telling stories, whether in a presentation or conversation, is not about you–it’s about your audience. Why should people care about what you have to say? Is it because you think your content is important? Because you have a burning desire to share it? No. To manage…

3 Tricks to Stand Out In A Competitive Environment

If you were in a competitive environment, facing competitors with more financial backing and industry experience to purchase the business you’d always dreamed of, where would you start? Or, if you were to go through 140 interviews in five days to beat four other final job candidates, how would you prepare? Margaret Page: Toastmasters Margaret…

How Leaders Use Storytelling To Inform And Influence

The best leaders don’t spend precious time reminding people of everything they’ve accomplished. Instead, they tell stories. The best actually collect them, thoughtfully and diligently. Through stories, they convey their character and remind people of visions worth pursuing. Here’s how two of the most inspiring leaders use storytelling to inform and influence others. 1.…

Storytelling Wins Trust During On-Campus Recruiting

Companies too often think they have most of the power in recruiting relationships– especially if their brand is a household name, or if every job posting incites an avalanche of applications. But the reality is that attracting top talent and laying the groundwork for future loyalty means dedicating your on-campus time to persuading students to…