I Got a Message from E. T.
So, one day, I got this email from E. T.
Hi Rudolf,
Would it be a ridiculous idea to include Song Saga on this excellent blog post? I'd be glad to send you a copy.
- E.T.
I smiled. I don’t get emails from E.T. every day.
And I loved the way this guy communicated.
What’s the difference between this guy’s email and the tens of others I get?
He added a Smile.
We all like to have fun.
Whether you tell stories, present, chat, or write an email, one of the most effective ways to build your relationship with your listeners is to make them Smile.
I sent E.T. (Eran Thomson) a Smile back:
Dear E.T.,
yes, I think that would be quite a ridiculous idea.
So that's a good reason to do it. ;-)
I read some things about your game online and it looks like a fun game that will bring people together, mixing fun music with their personal stories. I would be happy to include it.
Smiles can happen spontaneously.
If they don’t, having some Smiles about yourself ready is helpful—a joke or little story about your name, for example.
Break the ice.
Laugh together.
It relaxes your listeners.
“This is going to be fun.”, they think to themselves.
Your next presentation, story, email, or conversation?
Add a Smile.
Seriously! :-)
Helpful links
Review and video of Song Saga on my storytelling games page.