3X3 Leaders discover the power of words
The 3X3 Unites Academy is an in-depth program for young people who have completed the 3X3 Leader Course. The goal of the academy is to keep the youth involved in the 3X3 Unites community and to offer them even more perspective and opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally. 3X3 Unites does this through an inspiring and educational program created in collaboration with several partners.
Throughout the year, different workshops are organized. One of these workshops was given by Yorrick Mentink from Conclusion Consulting and was about ‘storytelling.’ “Do you tell something in a very boring and business-like way, or do you try to make your story more vivid? Do you keep it very abstract, or do you make it concrete?” he asked the participants.
Yai Maria was one of the 3X3 Leaders who joined the workshop. “During the workshop I realized how much impact words can have. I had never thought about that before,” he says. “As a 3X3 Leader, I have a voice. I learned how to use that voice as well as possible by choosing the right words or by structuring my story in a certain way.”
Before, when Yai told a story, he didn’t consciously think about how to build it up. He says he spoke as quickly as possible toward the point he wanted to make. But during the workshop he learned that it can help to add more color to his story, for example by including a personal note. “By starting with something personal, you immediately grab the listener’s attention.
Lenno Witteveen also joined the workshop as a coordinator at 3X3 Unites. He not only learned how to give his story a personal touch, but also that the intonation you give to your words is important. In addition, cliffhangers can ensure that listeners stay engaged with your story. “You raise a question that you later answer yourself,” he says. “For example: Did I do that in the right way?”
At the end of the workshop, each 3X3 Leader took the stage one by one to share their story with the rest of the group. “I first made a blueprint. I noticed how important it is that your story has structure. Because of that, I knew much better what I wanted to say,” Yai says. “I started with a personal note to immediately grab everyone’s attention.”
Yai looks back on an educational workshop and notices that it helps him in daily life. “I’m only sixteen, and sometimes I found it difficult to get a message across. But now I have a kind of guideline for how to build my story in the best way. This way, as a 3X3 Leader, I can guide or support other young people more easily.”
According to Yorrick from Conclusion Consulting, the young people can apply the lessons they learned in many situations in daily life. During a presentation, a job interview, or when trying to get a group of people moving. “The 3X3 Leaders were super enthusiastic and very eager to learn. It’s great that they can experience how valuable it is to convey your story well.” He gives them one more tip: “Keep practicing, keep telling, and stay connected with your listener.”
Would you also like to take new steps in your own development? Then join one of our upcoming workshops and talks within the 3X3 Unites Academy program. Here you will meet inspiring speakers, entrepreneurs, and leaders like Yorrick from Conclusion Consulting. Discover all upcoming workshops and events on our activities page.
