Tamsen Webster: Great Stories are Empathy Machines

Have you ever thought about a story as a persuasive argument or as making a case? Because that is what a good story does – it moves us to think or act in a new way. There is a structure to every good story that inspires, ignites, and moves people to action, whether that action is to make a change, donate money, or invest in your product or service. Today, I talk with my guest, Tamsen Webster about her red thread strategy for great storytelling. We talk about why good storytelling is required if you want to move people to action, how empathy plays a big role, and what we do to unintentionally sabotage an effective story, especially in sales and marketing. We also discuss how finding the red thread of your business makes you not just a persuasive leader, but a better more empathetic leader who can motivate employees and customers. If you are a marketer, if you are a persuader, a sales person, or someone who just wants to make more headway with your own children listening to you, today’s episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

Your story is what differentiates you from other companies. It allows you to stand out from organizations and people who do the same thing you do.
We’re not rational decision makers. We are rationalizing decision makers.
One of the most powerful drives that we have, as humans, is to be seen as smart, capable and good. You have to look at the people that you’re talking to with unconditional positive regard.

“One of the greatest gifts you can give to your prospects and clients is to give them a rock solid argument that they can give to somebody else.” — Tamsen Webster

About Tamsen Webster:

Tamsen Webster, Founder and Chief Message Strategist

Part strategist, part storyteller, part English-to-English translator, Tamsen Webster helps experts drive action with their ideas. Tamsen honed her trademark Red Thread approach in and for major organizations like Johnson & Johnson, Harvard Medical School, and Intel, as well as with hundreds of individual founders, academics, and thought leaders. She’s a former TEDx Executive Producer and current Idea Strategist. She’s also the author of Find Your Red Thread: Make Your Big Ideas Irresistible.

Connect with Tamsen:

Website: https://tamsenwebster.com/

Her book: Find Your Red Thread: https://tamsenwebster.com/book/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tamadear

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamsenwebster/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tamadear

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamsenwebster/?hl=e

Don’t forget to download your free guide! Discover The 5 Business Benefits of Empathy: http://red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

Connect with Maria:

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria’s brand strategy work and books: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross