[John Michael Kane]

I've been in sales and negotiations for quite a few years. I can tell you that to tell a good story, people will be more likely to believe it if you put some passion behind your voice. If you sound bored, even a great story will sound boring. Look people right in the eye and tell the story WITH INTENTION. Avoid overly used adjectives like "good" and say "outstanding" instead, etc. Embellish a little bit without telling an outright lie. When you make things seem a little bit larger than life, then people lean in closer. Use your hands. Draw out the landscape if you're talking about a mountain. Beckon "come here" with a finger if you're talking about someone approaching another person in your story, etc. Let your hands, body language and eyes be in a flow of what story you're telling. Live in that moment by not trying to memorize word-for-word what you're saying, but rather living THE FEELING of the story. Lastly, PAUSE between "chapters" in your story. Don't keep blurting out things non-stop. Pause. Continue. Pause. Continue. Long pause. Continue. Let your works sink in, and people will have greater impression that what you say is worth listening to. When you're all done telling your story, lean back in your chair, spread your arms wide and SAY NOTHING. Let others have an opportunity to enjoy the ending, and ask you questions, as they most likely will.

This technique is very powerful in a social circle, on a date or trying to sell someone anything. Tell great stories, and you'll win followers.