What’s your origin story?
Just this week I watched two movies that delved into the origin stories of the main character – one was “The Batman” (okay, I am a little late to the party) and the other, well, I am too embarrassed to mention it’s name, but it was so trashy good! (you dragged it out of me…. “Palm Royale.” Don’t judge).
Origin stories are a powerful narrative device that illuminates characters' pasts and lay the foundation for their development. They reveal influences, shape future actions, and deepen character complexity.
Who was Batman before he became Batman? Or Harry Potter before he became the greatest Wizard of all time? Or young Joe Biden, the kid with the stutter, decades before he became President?
What were the events, experiences and circumstances that helped shape you into the amazing person you are now? What were those early indicators of future success? Maybe our superpowers are born from pain?
A well-crafted origin story can offer a window into how people live, how they relate to their environment, what they have overcome, and what they believe about their place in the wider universe.
Origin stories help you connect with your customers, employees, and partners, earn their trust, inspire confidence and spark positive emotion. Some of my clients knew they were entrepreneurs as early as 10, some were born leaders from high school on, some experienced things as children, which formed their convictions to fight for change as adults.
For me, my origin story has a lot to do with learning at an early age that I had this kind of superpower for communication, connection, courage creativity and commerce – and something with puppets. A superpower that would even shock and amuse some adults! More on that in a future email!
As a speaking coach, I teach entrepreneurs, business owners and leaders how to craft their own origin stories, as it can be one of the most important kinds of speeches to give – to build trust and connection.
You can maximize the impact of your origin story by leveraging it across various channels.
Here are just a few ideas of ways to use it … in its entirety, or an encapsulated version, or just parts of it!
On your website (about Page)
Introduce yourself before a keynote presentation
Incorporate into your signature speech
Introduce yourself to prospects via an email
And so many more!