Stories everywhere

On the next six pages, we present extracts with key phrases and expressions you can use in storytelling.

1. That’s so funny!

Eve: I just had the strangest experience. Do you remember I told you my husband was running in the marathon on Sunday? Well, you’ll never believe this. I went to watch him, but the place was so crowded. There were runners, spectators and kids everywhere. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get near the finishing line. So, I held up my phone really high and took one picture. Just the one. I couldn’t see the runners. But, at that very moment, my husband was coming down the road. Over 20,000 runners, but he was right in the centre of the photo. How spooky is that?

Tim: That’s amazing!

2. That’s not funny!

Tim: Did I ever tell you about the time I did a marathon? No? You’ll never guess what happened to me. I was in a photo. In fact, I was on TV. The local press was filming a blind man. It just so happened that we were running at the same pace. So, I was on the news.

Eve: That’s pretty cool!

Tim: Quite the opposite, actually. It looks like I wouldn’t let him pass.

Almost instantly, I was criticized all over social media. There’s even a meme. I honestly didn’t see him. That’s the truth, not a terrible joke!

Eve: What a nightmare! And the key takeaway of this story is… always look behind you!

3. Tell me more

Eve: That’s all really interesting, Maeve. Now, tell me about a time when you made a mistake. Maeve: I’ll never forget one mistake I made. When I joined the company, I wanted to show that I was the right person for the job. That I could do everything! At the beginning, I didn’t ask for help at all and that was a mistake. In the meantime, I’ve learned how important it is to ask for clarification early on. I’ve found that it helps me in my work, it helps create better team spirit and it helps the company in the long run, too.

4. Any hobbies?

Eve: So, tell me something about what you like to do outside of work. Tell me something that’s not on your CV.

Maeve: Well, I know how important it is to switch off and do something for my health. That said, I hate the gym — and I don’t like running.

This time last year, a friend introduced me to bouldering. It’s a sport that requires concentration, coordination and strength. And it also helps me face my fear of heights! But I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to tackle Yosemite’s El Capitan.