Influence like Steve Jobs - 3 Storytelling Hacks
Dec 07, 2024
Imagine commanding a room like Steve Jobs did when he unveiled the first iPhone - keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.
Let me share what I learnt by studying one of the best storytellers in business - a man who transformed a nearly bankrupt company into the world's most valuable, one story at a time.
Steve Jobs started Apple in his parents' garage. Though he left in 1985, he returned in 1997 when Apple was nearly bankrupt. By the time he passed away in 2011, he had transformed it into the world's most valuable company.
Jobs wasn't just a tech visionary. He was a masterful storyteller. He even founded Pixar, now part of Disney, showing his deep understanding of storytelling's power. His presentations regularly drew millions of views - his Stanford speech alone has over 42 million views on YouTube.
So, where exactly did he use storytelling? Here are 3 situations with 3 tips you can immediately apply:
Situation 1: Launching the iPhone (2007)
Jobs could have simply shown the new phone. Instead, he told a story in three parts:
- Hook: "Today we're introducing a revolutionary product that changes everything."
- Problem: Other phones were complicated and unfriendly.
- Solution: "An iPod, a phone, and an internet communicator... This is one device!"
The launch was a massive success.
Tip #1: Don't reveal everything at once. Build curiosity first.
Remember: Curiosity = Brain is engaged = People pay attention.
Situation 2: Moving His Team Forward (2002)
Apple needed to switch from their old operating system (OS 9) to a new one. Instead of sending a memo, Jobs held a "funeral" with the employees, complete with a coffin on stage.
He gave a humorous eulogy: "Mac OS 9 was a friend to us all. He worked tirelessly on our behalf, always hosting our applications, never refusing a command, always at our call, except occasionally when he forgot who he was and needed to be restarted."
His team got the message. They immediately started working on the new system.
Tip #2: Use clear images and examples in your story, to help them understand.
Remember: Images = Eyes are engaged = People pay attention
Situation 3: Connecting with Students (2005)
In his most famous speech at Stanford, Jobs shared three personal stories:
- His decision to drop out of college
- Getting fired from Apple
- His thoughts about death
He didn't lecture. He shared real experiences and lessons learnt.
By making himself vulnerable, he connected with everyone in the room.
Tip #3: Share genuine experiences. People trust and relate to real stories more than abstract advice.
Remember: Emotions = Heart is engaged = People pay attention.
How to Use These Tips Tomorrow:
When you need to present an idea or motivate your team:
- Start with something that makes people curious
- Use clear examples they can picture
- Include a personal story that shows why it matters
Don't overcomplicate it. Think about how you'd explain it to a colleague over coffee. The best stories feel natural and honest.
Remember: Stories aren't just for presentations.
Use them in emails, team meetings, or one-on-one conversations.
They work because they tap into how our brains naturally learn and connect.