在求职或申请的时候，应该怎么介绍自己？我们从马云身上可以学到……

I start every interview with a simple statement. “Tell me about yourself.” These internship candidates – usually international students from China almost always tell me about their latest academic degree or even GPA, which I already know because its the first point on their resume. Undoubtedly every intern fails to say to me his or her “story” in our very first conversation.

Storytelling is an incredible skill that, once every student or intern master, they could get anything they want.  

Storytelling is used by so many around the world.  

Look at Steve Jobs; he won our hearts with his presentations. Rather than spitting facts and figures, he would share the story behind the product. Just watch any of his Apple events. They are full of captivating stories.

So when do we use storytelling? All the time. It is highly effective when we want someone to believe in our mission. I typically use it to hire the best talent, event talk to investors, or get clients to buy our services at ReadyAI. 

Who should learn storytelling? Everyone. I cannot emphasize this enough. It doesn’t matter if we are a college student applying for graduate school, asking for our first job, or frankly talking to friends. Learning how to capture our audience through storytelling is crucial. 

How do we tell a good story? Compelling storytelling involves a deep understanding of human emotions, motivations, and psychology to move an audience truly.  

We can all learn from Pixar. Yes, Pixar, which is arguably one of the greatest storytellers of our time. Compelling storytelling involves a deep understanding of human passions, motives, and psychology.   

Great stories are universal

Great Stories have a clear structure and purpose

Great stories have a character to root for (an underdog)

Great stories appeal to our deepest emotions

Great stories are surprising and unexpected

Great stories are simple and focused

Adding the human touch will help the other person to relate to whatever you’re saying.  

I often tell young international students that everyone remembers a good story. Whether they heard it on the radio, college admission essay, newspaper, television, or job interview, good stories tend to stick with us, regardless of the subject matter.

Storytelling is a valuable skill. And Jack Ma has truly mastered it. Here are five examples of great storytelling from Jack Ma. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nHOxONWfEs)

Don’t underestimate the power of storytelling in your next conversation, job interview, or writing an admission essay.  

So let’s learn from Jack Ma, not the billionaire, I’m talking about Jack Ma – the GREAT storyteller.