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The first time I heard professional speaker trainer Barbara Miller, I was moved to tears—along with everyone else in the room. It was one of the most transformative lessons I’ve ever experienced about what emotional storytelling is truly all about. In today’s issue, I’ll take you back to that day, so you can witness how someone can do more than just tell a story—they can transport you to a place where stories resonate deeply: the heart.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
- 3 actionable ways to ‘speak from the heart’ & connect with any audience
- A fun fact about the body’s love hormone & why it matters in storytelling
- A video by a master at speaking from the heart, Scott Harrison, Founder of Charity Water
From my heart to yours…LG
Founder Mentor Story:
Barbara Miller, Speaker Trainer
Years ago, I encountered an extraordinary woman named Barbara Miller at a leadership training event. She was heading up a session titled "Speaking from the Heart," and her expertise was evident from her impressive background. Barbara had worked with hundreds of organizations and law firms, coaching thousands of people in communication improvement. Her clientele included preparing interviewees for major TV shows like "Today Show," "Nightline," and “NBC News”.
Barbara began her session with a unique approach. She announced that she would tell two stories about fundraising for the same venture: the Rape Crisis Center she had co-founded. The first story was delivered in a matter-of-fact manner. She described the center as a safe haven for battered and abused women, explaining its function, a few stories of the women it had helped, and the operational aspects. And how one day it may be a place of refuge for someone you know. An important and needed service for women that few places to go, to say the least.
She paused and then Barbara prepared to tell the same story again, but from a different emotional state.
She stepped back, took a deep breadth, and closed her eyes for a few moments. Later, she revealed that during this brief interlude, she was recalling the feelings she had experienced when dealing with the women at the Center – their desperate situations and the new lives they were able to build.
When Barbara began the second version, her demeanor had completely changed. Her eyes were brighter, her face more expressive, and her body language more open. She started by sharing the story of a young woman who had come to the Center when it first opened. This woman had been badly beaten and feared for her life before finding refuge at the Center. Barbara vividly described the transformation she had witnessed in countless women – from battered and scared to joyful and hopeful.
She spoke about the numerous phone calls to the rape crisis line, where women, fearing for their lives, would plead for someone to save their children. Barbara's voice carried the weight of these experiences as she explained why she had helped create this 'safe place' – because she had seen the incredible impact it could make in a person's life.
Her closing words were simple yet powerful:
The impact of this second telling was profound. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. We had all been deeply moved, not just by the content of the story, but by the way Barbara had shared it. She had taken us on an emotional journey, allowing us to feel what she felt as she mentally walked the hallways of the Center. Her passion and commitment were palpable, leaving us not only touched but compelled to help.
She explained that this was the essence of "Speaking from the Heart." It wasn't just about sharing information; it was about tapping into the feelings that drive us, the reasons why we do what we do as founders. She emphasized that you don't always need to explicitly state your motivations – often, they come through in your delivery and the stories you choose to share.
Storytelling Lessons: Feelings > Facts
Barbara became one of my mentors for the next few years, teaching me that when you speak from the heart, you don’t just inform your audience—you inspire them, move them, and compel them to action. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it, and more importantly, how much of yourself you’re willing to put into your words. Here are 3 ways to tap into that founder heart of yours:
