Written by: Vickie Sullivan | August 29, 2019
How Strategically Embellishing Your Stories Helps You Connect with People
Personal secret: I’m known for embellishing stories. And not by a little bit either. Five years becomes a hundred. In the past becomes “back in 1902 when the earth was cooling.” In my social media posts, I’ll use funny (and absurd) analogies to make a nuanced point.
Yes, folks chuckle. But there are strategic reasons why extreme examples and false embellishments can pave the way to truth:
• Embellishing adds distance to sensitive subjects. When I’m talking about something that could be offensive or controversial, I take the heat of the topic away and make it smaller. When you can use an absurd example, the point shines through because the situation no longer involves you personally. This is a great alternative to pointing a finger in someone’s face, questioning their values and beliefs. (I have seen that interaction many times in social media. It doesn’t end well.)
• Humor creates connection. When we find the same thing funny, we have common ground. And it’s hard to stay mad and laugh at the same time. On social media, someone will call out bad behavior in a funny way, and I’ll respond with, “Guilty as charged. And I’m not proud of (add false embellishment here).” The falsity is clear, so no one is arguing about what is true. We can move on to the more substantive points. Again, this tactic takes the judgment out of the situation.
Listen: Two Ways to Use Extreme Examples
Yes, it’s important to be accurate—to tell the truth. Crazy content, though, such as embellishments and absurd examples, can pave the way for folks to hear your truths.
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