Yoodli

Part of an invite-only group of world champions of public speaking, TEDx trainers, expert speech coaches building artificial intelligence to help people improve their communication skills without the pressure of an audience. Learn more at www.yoodli.ai.

Coach Advisor at Yoodli

Confident Storytelling Podcast

Host of the Confident Storytelling Podcast. Previously known as Small Town Bigger Dreams Podcast, the podcast is now into its Season-3 with a complete focus on various aspects of storytelling. New episodes are added every week.

Podcast Host

Tata Consultancy Services

Associate Consultant

Working as a service manager for a large pharmaceutical client

Assistant Consultant

Currently working on a project for a major pharmaceutical company of US. Project is related to their business processes and is based on SharePoint 2010, InfoPath and workflows etc.

IT Analyst

Small Town Bigger Dreams

21 lessons to achieving your dreams in 21st century

Published Author

Global Online Advanced Toastmasters Club

Find out more about GOAT at globalonlinetmc.toastmastersclubs.org

Treasurer

Basingstoke Speakers Club

President of Basingstoke Speakers Club. Find out more details at http://basingstoke.toastmasterclub.org/

President

Toastmasters International

Area Director of Area A46 which consists of 4 Corporate (Microsoft Speakers, Reading Verizon Toastmasters, Verizon EMEA Toastmasters & Oracle Toastmasters ) and 2 Community Clubs (Reading Speakers & Newbury Speakers) for the toastmasters year 2021-22.

Area Director

Global Online Advanced Toastmasters (GOAT) Club

Chartering president of the Global Online Advanced Toastmasters Club. 
Visit the website https://globalonlinetmc.toastmastersclubs.org/ for more details.

Chartering President

Basingstoke Speakers - Toastmasters Club

Vice President Education

Pioneer 17 Toastmasters Club

Vice President Public Relations

As a passionate Storytelling Coach, Certified World Class Speaking Coach, and Mentor, my mission is to unleash the full potential within you through the power of storytelling. With a track record of success spanning India, the US, and the UK, I've garnered accolades as an award-winning speaker, earning recognition at prestigious events such as the International Public Speaking Championship and the Table Topics Contest.

With over 16 years of experience as an IT Portfolio Manager at TCS, I bring a unique blend of expertise to my coaching practice, combining the art of storytelling with real-world leadership insights.

My debut book, 'Small Town Bigger Dreams,' soared to the top of the bestseller charts, resonating with readers seeking personal growth and time management mastery. As a Distinguished Toastmaster, I stand among the top 1% of Toastmasters International members, a testament to my dedication to excellence in communication and leadership.

But beyond accolades and achievements, my true passion lies in guiding individuals like you to craft compelling narratives, ace public speaking engagements, and lead with authenticity and impact. Whether you're a seasoned professional, an aspiring speaker, or a student embarking on your journey, I'm here to make your path smoother and more beautiful.

Join me on my YouTube channel and Confident Storytelling Podcast, where I share inspiring content, insightful interviews, and practical tips to help you master the art of storytelling, pursue your passions, and engage your audience like never before.

Let's embark on this transformative journey together. Connect with me on social media and let's unlock your full potential, one story at a time.

Thank you Food Box Foundation for having me. We also loved interacting with the kids and their enthusiasm positively impacted us.
Looking forward to more such trips in the future. 
God bless you for the amazing work you are doing. 

Haritosh Srivastav - Confident Storytelling Coach

I Help Professionals, Entrepreneurs & Coaches Become Confident in Sharing their true voice using Confident Storytelling Blueprint | Confident Storytelling Coach | Certified World Class Speaking Coach | Bestseller Author

Haritosh Srivastav - Confident Storytelling Coach  Ji, thank you for visiting our center! The children absolutely loved your class and were thrilled with the gift you gave them. They're eagerly looking forward to your next visit and can't wait to learn more from you.

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The Most Awaited India Trip of April Finished last weekend

Did everything go as per plan, heck NO. We had so many twist & turns in the tale

Did we meet everyone we would have liked to, no way close.

Did we attract some unwanted stuffs, actually yes. All three of us got severe cough, cold & so on so forth

Do these things make the trip less memorable, not at all.

In fact in about 3 weeks or so - 
1. Served as a speaker in ThriveFest 2024 in Agra an event by Succcess4Coaches founded by dear friends & mentees Sunny Nagpal & Beena Srivastava Sahai

2. Attended 2-Days Immersive Freedom Business Retreat in Chennai  by our super mentor Siddharth Rajsekar along with 800 top coaches in India & Beyond

3. Did meet-ups in Chennai, Lucknow, Delhi, etc & met many amazing community members of Confident Storytelling Hub including Rajesh Ahuja, @meenu Khurana, Kedar Panda, @brijesh Dwivedi, @elan to name a few 

4. Met Mr. Sudhir Singh who runs an NGO in Prayagraj and helps poor kids with education and also food to the hungry. I have a deep appreciation for his noble work

5. Of course attended a cousin's engagement along with meeting lots of family & friends. 

6. Continued to share one story live daily until last Friday. 

Due to a severe cough & cold, I have taken a week's break from the Storytelling challenge and afterward, I will be doing 2 stories per day to make up for the lost days.

Sometimes in a short span of time, we get too many moments. What's more important is are you capturing or letting it go. 2024 is set to be a huge year for me and I would love to keep sharing such moments with you all.

Keep sharing your stories 🥂

Sharing some pics from this journey

Strongly held belief: Committing yourself fully to storytelling and creative expression can transform your life.

When you consistently nurture your own narrative craft:

1. You make thoughtful artistic choices because you're 100% accountable to your voice and vision.

2. You have a deeper sense of purpose because your mind is engaged in meaningful self-exploration.

3. You get to construct an authentic life, fueled by the vulnerability of your art.

One dedication - immense reverberations through your psyche and soul.

The act of bravely sharing your interior world transforms you. You face fears, insecurities, and profound truths. 

Your consciousness expands as you stretch to embody every perspective and experience manifested through your stories.

This refining journey imparts priceless insights about what matters most. Your values, your place in the world, the mark you wish to leave. 

Storytelling alchemizes our messy humanity into poignant works that can touch and teach others.

So while entrepreneurship shapes your professional impact, fully devoted storytelling shapes your entire authentic selfhood. 

What greater creative act is there?

~~~
✍️ What stories, worlds or messages are you striving to artfully birth?
♻️ Reshare if you feel storytelling's transformative potential.

#storytelling #communication #publicspeakling

The Power of a Simple Storytelling System

As a passionate storyteller and aspiring public speaker, I've always been drawn to the art of crafting and delivering impactful narratives.

However, like many creatives, I often found myself caught in the trap of chasing the latest "shiny object" when it came to honing my craft - trying out endless tools, techniques, and frameworks, only to abandon them a few weeks later, feeling frustrated and unfulfilled.

That is, until I discovered the power of a simple, yet effective storytelling system.

 Drawing inspiration from my experience with productivity systems, I've developed a six-pillar approach that has transformed the way I approach the art of storytelling and public speaking.

1. The Story Idea Vault: 
I maintain a running list of potential story ideas, themes, and concepts that I can draw from when it's time to start crafting a new narrative. 
This gives me a clear starting point and prevents me from getting stuck in the ideation phase.

2. The Narrative Arc: 
Rather than diving straight into the details, I take the time to map out the key moments and turning points of my stories. 
This helps me ensure that each tale has a well-structured, engaging arc that captivates my audience.

3. The Storytelling Toolkit: 
For each story, I keep a list of the specific techniques, devices, and elements I want to incorporate - from dramatic pauses and vivid imagery to relatable anecdotes and thoughtful reflections. 
This "toolbox" ensures that my stories are consistently polished and impactful.

4. The Rehearsal Log: 
As I practice and refine my stories, I keep detailed notes on what's working, what needs improvement, and any insights or breakthroughs I experience along the way. 
This helps me track my progress and make informed decisions about how to optimize my delivery.

5. The Performance Calendar:
Just as I would with any important project, I block out dedicated time in my calendar to work on my storytelling and public speaking. 
This helps me maintain focus and momentum, even when life gets busy.

6. The Feedback Loop:
 I actively seek out opportunities to share my stories with trusted advisors, mentors, and audiences. 
Their honest feedback and constructive criticism are essential for helping me identify areas for growth and improvement.

By embracing this simple, yet powerful storytelling system, I've not only seen a marked improvement in the quality and impact of my narratives, but I've also experienced a newfound sense of confidence and clarity when it comes to public speaking. 

No longer do I feel like I'm chasing the next "shiny object" – I have a reliable framework that helps me consistently create and deliver stories that captivate and inspire.

If you, too, are looking to elevate your storytelling and public speaking skills, I encourage you to explore this approach. 

With a little bit of discipline and a lot of passion, you can unlock the true power of a simple, yet effective storytelling system.

Just as Russell Ackoff observed that "a system is not the sum of its parts, but the product of their interactions," the same profound insight applies to the craft of storytelling.

As a storytelling coach, I've seen aspiring writers and speakers:

• Struggling with interpersonal conflicts within their creative communities
• Paralyzed by the tangled dependencies between story elements and structures
• Engaging in detrimental artistic politics that undermine their artistic growth

These issues are the result of a lack of intentional Interaction Design between the core components of their storytelling.

 And this leads to narratives that impede rather than enable impactful connections with audiences.

I coach storytellers to view their creative process as a cell-based organism, emphasizing the significance of interactions between these core "cells" of character, plot, theme, etc. 

As Ackoff teaches, the space between these elements is where the magic happens - or where creative conflict brews.

When we fail to consciously design these storytelling interactions, we encounter:

❌ Rampant stylistic clashes 
❌ Unpredictable story delivery
❌ Last-minute urgent rewrites
❌ A reactive stance to audience feedback 
❌ Lack of thematic coherence and agreements
❌ Disconnected story threads without coordination

Instead, when we intentionally architect our story interactions, we enable:

✅ Enhanced transparency between story components
✅ Defined structural "APIs" linking elements 
✅ Effective catalogues of proven storytelling techniques
✅ The ability to anticipate and fulfill audience desires
✅ Clear agreements on how story components will interplay
✅ Established expectations for resonant emotional impact

The choice is clear. In the pursuit of crafting unforgettable tales and speeches, fostering productive interactions between narrative essentials isn't just beneficial - it's essential.

Which type of storytelling organism would you rather cultivate - one of tangled, conflicting parts, or one of harmonious, synergistic cells working in service of your artistic vision?

#storytelling #leadershipstorytelling #businessstorytelling


Have you ever counted your blessings?
- Have you ever counted the good and the great?

What amazing things that has happened to you?

If you start counting them, you will probably start or rather stop seeing.

Why me? When something doesn’t go your way.

#storytelling

The 2 most powerful storytelling practices I've found:

1. Study your audience data and feedback.
2. Immerse yourself in the lives of those you aim to channel through stories.

Well...I guess those weren't really "hacks" per se. 

Turns out, most impactful narrative work simply requires logical and straightforward steps.

But I'm always shocked to find how rarely these two foundational things happen. 

Instead, writers and speakers seek out "storytelling gurus" before doing the elemental fieldwork.

Without realizing the answers to crafting resonant tales likely live in analyzable audience insights and firsthand conversations with your prospective characters.

So start by committing to these two actions:

1. Learn to analyze your data on what narratives land and why. (Book sales, speech ratings, comments...)
2. Use an engaged listening practice to deeply understand the psychologies and experiences you aim to render.

Once you've gathered that ground-truth and studied the results, then you may benefit from an expert's guidance.

Or by then, your own insights and intuition will be so sharpened, you'll have become the storytelling master.

The path is simple: Data. Immersion. Iterate. No shortcuts, just consistent devotion to truly knowing your audience's souls and inner lives. 

That's the fueldramatic, emotionally truthful stories.


~~~

If you found this helpful, consider resharing ♻️ and follow me Haritosh Srivastav - Confident Storytelling Coach for more content like this.

"What's the most difficult thing to change as a storyteller?"

I've been asking this question for years when coaching or training aspiring writers, speakers and narrative artists. 

Invariably, the range of answers include:

❌ Finding my unique voice 
❌ Developing strong character arcs
❌ Revising my stories effectively
❌ Connecting with my target audience
❌ Mastering the technical elements of craft

These are all potentially valid challenges, but they aren't the deepest root issue.

Few people identify that the MOST DIFFICULT thing to change as a storyteller is: 

✅ Ourselves (yes, you!)

Why is this? The simplest answer is that we believe we're already doing the right things and have the best intentions. It's other factors - our skills, our circumstances, our audiences - that just don't seem to align.

Other deep-rooted beliefs I often hear include:

• "I am a naturally gifted writer/speaker"
• "I'm an experienced professional, I don't need to change" 
• "The problem is with my lack of time/resources, not me"
• "If I just keep practicing the techniques, I'll improve"

All these mindsets are dangerous for a healthy creative journey, especially if they come from someone in a leadership role within their storytelling community.

True transformation is necessary, and it has to start from within. We have to:

• Be open to changing our perspectives
• Approach our work with an inquisitive, learning spirit 
• Cultivate an expansive, growth-oriented mindset

In the end, if we're not willing to change ourselves, why would anyone else change in response to our stories?

We must lead the way as storytellers by embodying the very evolution and vulnerability we wish to inspire in our audiences.

Be the emotional growth, the creative courage, the narrative authenticity you wish to see in the world. 

That's how to unlock your full storytelling potential.

✍️ As a writer/speaker, What's the most difficult thing to change for you?

♻️ Reshare if you resonate with this perspective.

#storytellingtransformation #narrativeevolution #creativecomfort-zone #mindsetshift4storytellers #growthmindsettales #selfimprovement4writers #storybravery #innervoyageforspeakers #authenticimagination #vulnerablenarrative #leadbyyourstory #storytellingmastery #narrativeartistry #audienceconnection #creativeselfdiscovery

What are you doing?

Do you often reflect on this question?

#career #leadership #communication

How I give the right amount of context (in any situation):

Giving the right amount of context helps the audience imagine & move faster. Too much context? Your audience can’t learn what’s important. Too little context? Your audience won’t have enough information to make an informed decision.

This begs the question: How do you give the right amount of context?

1. Remind them where you left off.
2. Be specific and explicit about what you need.
3. Mention if it’s an FYI.
4. Suggest the next step.
5. Consider variables to give more or fewer details.
6. Mention your criteria and assumptions.

---

Give this a repost ♻️ to help others

#storytelling

Are you sitting on a Branch?

Are you in a Comfort zone?

#storytelling #career #productivity

Internalising Feedback to Better Your Storytelling

As a storyteller, receiving feedback is just as vital as delivering & writing an interesting story. Yet, many shy away, perceiving critique as a personal attack.

The truth is, you share the responsibility.

Encourage your audience or peers to be direct - their honesty is a gift. 

When you cultivate openness to learning, you unlock invaluable insights that propel your storytelling.

Sure, the deliverer must be constructive and sensitive. 
But you set the tone.

 View feedback as an opportunity, not a burden. This builds trust and strengthens your bond with collaborators.

Lean into the process. 

Embrace the crucible of honest discussion. Watch your craft evolve and captivate audiences like never before.

#storytelling #communication #productivity

The one who masters communication, masters all.

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 = 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗟𝗨𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘

- VISUALLY
- VERBALLY
- WRITTEN

Writing (Storytelling, Copywriting)

Speaking (Storytelling, Presenting, Public speaking, Comedy)

Non-Verbal (Aesthetics, Body Language)


#storytelling #communication #career

For storytellers sharing your narratives regularly, remember:

- 75% of your audience may have missed that recent short story
- 80% likely won't vividly recall the finer emotional details
- 100% of new readers never experienced that powerful story

Don't be afraid to recycle and reimagine your stories in new formats and framings.

 Resonant narratives deserve a repeat performance to reach more minds and souls.

The same core truth, refracted through different storytelling angles, can unlock new layers of meaning and connection each time it's revisited with fresh eyes.

~~~
✍️ As a writer/speaker, do you ever reimagine your stories for new audiences and mediums?

♻️ Reshare if you agree the greatest stories contain inexhaustible potential for infinite re-exploration.

#storytelling #creativity #communication #businessstorytelling

I track 3 "Storytelling Habits".

As a Storyteller, they guarantee I make progress every single day.

(Without resorting to complex storytelling systems or accountability apps)

1. Did I write and outline a thought/story idea for 90 minutes in the morning without any distractions?

I am always shocked at how many stories I can think of with one single block of focus done first thing in the morning, before letting in any other distractions. 

So this "sacred" block is a non-negotiable for me, no matter where I am in the world or what I have going on.

2. Did I define one single "A+" real incident that happened and knock it out?

Before stepping into that 90-minute focus block, I define one single real incident that I observed or happened to me, a high-engaging, needle-moving experience that I can share 100% with the public without any second thought.

This takes some upfront ideas because it's easy to see "everything" as an A+ incident. But the constraint of choosing one story is the perfect forcing function to ruthlessly eliminate, refine, or batch everything else.

3. Did I block 30 minutes for intentional time on social media (and avoid it during other times?)

And lastly, I make it a point to "batch" my time on X and Instagram into one small part of the day.

Otherwise, my brain will default to checking it and doomscrolling all the time on autopilot, despite knowing how little it does for me.

Aaaaand that's it!

This has worked well for me over the last few years. It's a super simple way of writing and thinking about meaningful stories every single day.

If you found this helpful, let me know in the comments, and then like and share this with your audience so others can find it too✊ 

As Professional storytellers and public speakers, we understand the power of clear communication and proactive problem-solving. 

These same principles can be applied to the often-overlooked skill of managing up effectively. 
Let's explore how this mindset can elevate both your professional relationships and your storytelling prowess.

1. Bring Solutions, Not Just Problems: 
When presenting to your manager or key stakeholders, don't simply dump a laundry list of issues. 
Instead, come equipped with well-researched, viable solutions that demonstrate your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

2. Provide Sufficient Context: 
Avoid the frustration of endless back-and-forth by offering the necessary context upfront. 
Anticipate the questions and concerns your audience might have, and address them preemptively.

3. Be Explicit About Your Needs:
 Don't leave any ambiguity about what you require from your manager or team. Spell out your requests clearly and leave no room for misinterpretation.

4. Anticipate Their Perspective:
 Put yourself in your manager's shoes and consider their potential objections or priorities. 
Proactively address these concerns to show your foresight and commitment to the shared goal.

5. Demonstrate Ownership and Reliability:
 Consistently bringing this solutions-focused, anticipatory approach to your interactions will help you stand out from the crowd. 
Your manager will come to rely on your dependability and initiative.

Just as we meticulously craft our stories to captivate our audience, effectively managing up requires a similar level of preparation and intentionality. By adopting this mindset, you'll not only strengthen your professional relationships but also hone the very skills that make you a compelling storyteller and public speaker.

So, the next time you find yourself in a meeting with your manager or pitching a new project, remember these principles. 

Approach it with the same creativity, problem-solving, and audience-centric focus that you bring to your storytelling. 

The rewards, both in your career and your craft, will be well worth the effort.

#leadership #career #productivity

We need more Storytellers like Matthew Dicks who are brilliant, visionary, and authentic. I can’t wait to read this book again. I highly recommend following him on LinkedIn too—you will become a sharper thinker and Storyteller for it. 

Thanks Matthew for paving the way for so many of us. 🥂

#storytelling #career #leadership

PC - Original picture creator

Visual storytelling of one kind or another has been around since cavemen were drawing on the walls.  - Frank Darabont

#storytelling #communication #publicspeaking

Sudhir Singh-  I have been following your work for quite some time but yesterday's meeting in person gave me a lot more insights on how you are impacting at the grassroots level. You are such a noble soul; meeting you was like meeting an old friend after a long time.
Keep doing the great work and we'll continue to connect whenever I visit #Prayagraj

Founder & CEO Food Box Foundation, End Hunger

It's amazing how connections made on LinkedIn can lead to unforgettable experiences. 

After two years of communicating, we finally had the pleasure of meeting in person yesterday. 

Meeting with you and family was truly delightful, and the time we spent together was nothing short of wonderful. 

Thank you for sharing your masterpiece, Haritosh Srivastav - Confident Storytelling Coach  Ji. I look forward to reading it and sharing my thoughts soon.

I hope you had a wonderful time in Prayagraj and created some amazing memories that you'll cherish for a long time. We would love to have you back at our Food Box Foundation  centre soon. 

I wish you a safe and happy journey back to the UK!

endhunger( by Food Box Foundation )

As a seasoned storyteller, the question I get asked the most is: 

"What's the secret to crafting truly captivating stories?"

The answer lies in three key principles:

Connection: 
The best stories forge deep, emotional bonds with the audience, tapping into universal human experiences.

Detail: 
Masterful storytellers meticulously craft every word, pause, and moment to create an immersive experience.

Adaptability: 
The storytelling landscape is ever-evolving, so a willingness to learn, grow, and refine your skills is essential.

By practicing these principles, you can transport your audience, leave a lasting impact, and unlock the true magic of storytelling. 

So dive in, explore, and let your unique voice shine through – the world is waiting to be inspired.

#storytelling #productivity #create

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