Our brains are wired for narrative. Studies have shown storytelling initiatives result in both neurological and chemical reactions. Therefore, it’s no wonder that Courtney Addy, founder and CEO of BEACON XP, a leadership coaching and consulting practice that specializes in the design and delivery of transformational experiences for individuals and teams, calls storytelling the “No. 1 leadership tool.”

During the recent Women Leading Travel & Hospitality Virtual Workshop, Addy shared several pieces of advice for incorporating storytelling into your leadership practices. Here are five of those tips:

1. Follow the narrative arc.

You know the one (also called the Hero’s Journey): inciting incident, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution. “Everyone is trying to figure out how to fire your brain along this strategic arc,” Addy said. “Everyone has a hero’s journey, including yourself.”

2. Stories need to be mined.

To discover your own “hero’s journey,” it’s a good idea to plot your life experiences — small or large — that have shaped the person you’ve become. Addy suggests thinking about the peak experiences in your life: moments that shaped you for the better, big wins, and personal successes. Then think about the valleys: moments of sadness, anger, disappointment and pain. Finally, mark pivotal decisions or milestones where you gained a certain wisdom that you can draw on as a source of inspiration.

3. Track what happens in your life.

Addy explained the idea of “Homework for Life,” a concept taken from writer and storyteller Matthew Dicks, which involves documenting the stories that already exist in your life. Addy suggests creating a date log and writing down one thing that happened every day.

4. Practice rehearsing your story.

It doesn’t matter if you want to tell a story to your family, a conference room of colleagues, or a large audience in a ballroom — you have to rehearse it if you wish to deliver it seamlessly. Addy recommends practicing, and NOT in front of the mirror because that’s not a realistic replication of a speaking situation you might find yourself in.

5. Name your story.

“The Red Dress” and “The Yellow Daffodil.” Those are just two of the stories Addy has named throughout her career, and she returns to them when she needs to. “Once you have a story, it doesn’t mean you told it and you have to move on,” noted Addy. “You can access it when you’re recognizing a situation where you can provide context.”

Women Leading Travel & Hospitality members can view Addy’s full Virtual Workshop here. Not a member? Apply today!