Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will
Audiobook now available!
*Includes special bonus music tracks, the songs Smile and Hang On Little Tomato, performed by the author’s band, Spare Change!
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Read the forward by Cheryl Snapp Conner, founder and CEO of SnappConner PR
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“I could barely put this book down! Sarah created an experience with every story told and each corresponding activity that made me think about the stories I had been telling myself. I felt like I was with her every step of the way on her various journeys around the world. I was delighted by the reflections on the sweet moments in her life and then relished in the simple ways she guided me to consider my own sweet moments. Read this book now! I promise you will be positively changed for the better.”
More praise for Your Stories Don’t Define You
WHAT INTERNAL MESSAGES ARE HOLDING YOU BACK?
What stories are you sharing that confirm those messages, and impact the perceptions of the people around you?
Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will will help you uncover where those messages came from and the patterns they have created in your life, create context around them, and shift them to benefit you, your relationships, and your career.
Story sharing isn’t just about entertainment and persuasion. When you share the right personal story at the right time and with the right audience, you connect more authentically and open the door for real positive impact. Whether you’re sharing personal stories or business stories, the stories you share and how you share them shape your identity and have the power to bring out the stories of others. What personal stories will you uncover using the exercises in this book?
Let’s get started!
“A wealth of research confirms that stories have the power to break down walls, build trust, enhance communication and strengthen relationships. Beyond just data and facts, stories enable us to express ideas, beliefs and hopes and connect with others. Stories make us human. In Your Stories Don’t Define You, Sarah Elkins masterfully leads the reader on a journey to discover the internal messages that create one’s story portfolio.
From ‘rockstar moments’ to ‘life pivot points,’ each of us have stories that compose a pattern in our lives that shape who we are. Our stories may not be epic, but the insights, lessons and patterns within them craft a powerful internal narrative about those pivotal life experiences that create the unique tapestry that is each of us. Elkins shares her own story portfolio, giving you precisely what you need to identify, craft, and intentionally share the stories you already have that will influence how you see the world and how the world sees you. Anecdotes, real-world examples, and practical exercises are included to guide you through the process to discover your own story portfolio.
Elkins presents storytelling as a superpower—an invaluable result of the self-reflection and introspection required to better understand ourselves, our quirks, and our strengths. When we have identified the memories and patterns that define our stories, we can tell them the way we want to: with intention, conviction, and confidence.”
“Want to truly be the author of your own best life? This book can help you untangle from unhelpful stories you tell yourself, and inspire you to write better ones.”
“As personal as experiences may be, they are also powerful interpersonal connectors. The point, though, is how stories become a springboard that propel you and your audience into the serendipitous moment when you feel you truly communicate. Sarah Elkins explores the fundamentals of interaction dynamics that make us both better storytellers and better listeners. This book gives you more than persuasion techniques: It persuades you to become persuasive.”
“Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is a masterclass for storytelling. Sarah Elkins beautifully weaves her own stories throughout the book as a vehicle for learning, painting a vivid picture of what works and why. Not only will readers finish with a deeper understanding of one of the most critical skills required in today’s business environment, but they will leave with something far richer—a roadmap for creating meaningful relationships and a deeper understanding of themselves.”
“There’s a warmth and mysterious power in story. When shared with authenticity and with awareness for others, a sense of togetherness unites us around a virtual experience. The magic lies in not only connection but also the personal imagination and creativity that’s stoked within.”
“Over the past forty years I’ve debriefed hundreds and hundreds of hiring managers after they’ve interviewed my candidates. Some big things stand out for those they liked. First, they all said the quality of the questions asked were insightful and important. Second, they said the stories the candidates told about their accomplishments were memorable, believable and impactful. Both are required to be considered a finalist for any job. Sarah’s book, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will, will teach you how to tell your own stories. And as Sarah says, how you tell them will affect your life, including how to get the job you deserve.”