In the world of corporate presentations, a common refrain is, “Who are you guys? Never heard of you.” Even for established companies with decades of experience, breaking through the noise and making a lasting impression can be a challenge.
I once encountered this firsthand when accompanying the CEO of a large Indian IT services company on a client meeting overseas. Despite sending detailed corporate decks in advance, the client still seemed unfamiliar with the company.
Inspired by the iconic Bollywood film “Sholay,” I realized the power of a well-crafted narrative. The film’s characters, dialogues, and storytelling are so memorable that even today, people can recite entire scenes.
One of the most famous lines from the film is, “Kitne Aadmi Thhe?” (How many men were there?), uttered by the villain Gabbar Singh as he confronts a group of villagers. This line has become synonymous with the film and is instantly recognizable to anyone who has seen it.
Similarly, your company’s story should be so memorable that people can easily recall it and share it with others. By weaving your company’s history, values, and achievements into a compelling narrative, you can create a lasting impression on your audience.
Imagine if your company’s story was as memorable as the iconic scenes from “Sholay.” Instead of reciting dry facts and figures, you could share anecdotes about your company’s founding, its biggest challenges, and its most significant victories. You could introduce your team members as colorful characters, each with their own unique skills and personalities.
This led to a breakthrough in our approach. Instead of relying solely on corporate decks, we decided to train our entire team to tell the company’s story. From the CEO to frontline sales representatives, everyone was equipped with the same narrative. This consistency created a powerful and memorable impression.
We developed seven storybooks, each focusing on a different strength of the company. These storybooks were designed to be engaging and easy to remember, featuring real characters, dialogues, and illustrations. By training our team on these storybooks, we ensured that they could deliver a captivating and memorable presentation.
The lesson from this experience is clear: the power of one voice can make a brand truly memorable. By telling a compelling and engaging story, you can break through the noise and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
So, the next time you’re preparing a presentation, consider the power of storytelling. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to watch “Sholay” on Netflix. It’s a classic for a reason.
…no known reason, just inspiration.
