Communication Archives

What Makes a Story Interesting? The 4 Things a Narrative Needs

What makes a story interesting? How can you, as the storyteller, humanize yourself to your audience? How can you communicate a message that transcends the plot? You can think of a character, a goal, and an obstacle as the basic requirements for a story. But, even with those elements in place, not every story holds a listener’s attention. Rob Biesenbach says a story needs four additional characteristics to make it engaging. Read more to discover the power of these four elements that keep your audience tuned in to your story.

How to Discipline Your Child Without a Fight (1-2-3 Magic)

Do you tend to get too emotional when trying to direct your child’s behavior? Do counting methods of discipline really work? In 1-2-3 Magic, clinical psychologist Thomas W. Phelan explains how to discipline your child in a way that lets you spend less time managing your child’s behavior and more time enjoying your relationship. He describes the problems with common discipline methods and shares his simple counting approach. Read more to discover the 1-2-3 Magic way of discipline and see how it might work for your children.

Change in a Relationship: Adapting to the Inevitable

Is it normal for those in a relationship to change? How do you talk about change in a relationship? If you’re in a long-term relationship, chances are that you or your partner have changed over time. To deal with developments, you and your partner need to talk about them and remind yourselves why you love each other in the first place. Here’s how to discuss the inevitable changes your relationship will experience over the years.

Are You Learning by Listening? How You Grow By Tuning In

What don’t you know? How sounds are your beliefs? What if your inner voice gained more wisdom? It’s probably no surprise that you learn and grow when you listen well. But, you might not be aware of the specific ways you improve. This holds true, not just for the listener, but for the speaker, as well. When you’re not listening, you’re missing out. Read on to understand and appreciate the ways you learn by listening.

How to Structure a Story: Going Beyond Beginning, Middle, & End

If you’ve got a beginning, a middle, and an end, do you have a story? What’s missing? In his book Unleash the Power of Storytelling, speechwriter-turned-actor Rob Biesenbach believes that a story’s structure matters. But, he contends that there’s something even more important. He explains how to infuse certain processes into the structure to create a truly engaging story. Continue reading to learn, not just how to structure a story, but how to breathe life into that structure.

How to Collect Stories for Your Business & Use Them Well

How do you collect stories that will wow your audience? How do you choose the right story for the appropriate situation? Stories aren’t useful if you’re not telling them to the right people at the right time. Stories That Stick by Kindra Hall has stellar advice for choosing the best stories for your audience so you can get your point across. Below you’ll learn how collecting stories can be an easy process if you just know where to look.

What Is Sympathetic Listening? A Key to Understanding Your Child

When you listen to your child, what’s your goal? How can you help your kids process their emotions? What is sympathetic listening? There’s listening, and then there’s sympathetic listening. Far more than just taking in what others are saying, you can understand them better than ever. It’s a critical skill for parents who want to know what’s really going on in their child’s mind, help them grow, and strengthen the bonds that tie them together. Continue reading to learn what sympathetic listening is and how to practice it.

Overview of Eight Dates: A Guide to Making Relationships Last

What’s the key to making relationships last? What are the eight dates you should go on with your partner? While there’s no guarantee of happily ever after, the authors of Eight Dates argue that there’s a secret to a healthy, long-lasting relationship—make time for your partner and stay curious. They also explain why weekly dates are important for sustaining a strong relationship. Read below for a brief Eight Dates book overview.

Why Are Stories Powerful? The Reasons We Use & Abuse Them

Why are stories powerful? How do they affect your brain? Why do manipulators use stories? When Rob Biesenbach talks about the power of storytelling, he’s not just talking about a story’s capacity to engage or entertain. He’s also talking about how a story can change people’s minds, affect their emotions, and persuade them to act. Learn how stories powerfully affect us emotionally, physiologically, and intellectually.

How to Listen to Your Partner: 4 Strategies for Tuning In

Why is active listening crucial in a relationship? How can you better listen to your partner on important matters? No matter what stage of the relationship you’re in, you should always try to get to know your partner. Eight Dates emphasizes that listening strengthens the bond between you and your partner and can help minimize conflict in the future. Here are ways you can learn how to listen to your partner effectively.