574: Robert Fergusson | The Art of Storytelling

Nothing connects us all to the human experience quite like stories, and if ever there was a master of its craft, it is today’s guest Robert Fergusson. Robert is a world-renowned teacher, known mostly for his incredible biblical messages and public speaking.

He is currently based in Sydney, Australia where he preaches on the platform of Hillsong Church, and teaches aspiring students how to craft compelling messages using an art that has been tried and true throughout the ages: Storytelling - which he is now sharing with the world through his book, ‘Are You Getting This?’

Dive in with us as Robert uncovers the art of storytelling, and the power it has to impact your message, relationships, and life.

Things you will learn in this episode: 
[00:01 - 06:33] Opening Segment 

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I introduce today’s guests Robert Fergusson

Teaching team from Hillsong Church 

Are You Getting This

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Robert gives some background around his story

Brought up in the farms of England 

Life in Boarding School

Told in school reports that he would never excel

Pushed into the direction of teaching

Becoming Christian during college 

[06:34 - 14:15] The Art of Storytelling

Robert talks about his journey going into ministry 

Traveling around Europe with a team teaching and preaching

Speaking to 10,000 children in one week 

Learning to tell stories

The misconceptions of storytelling 

Condemned in Ancient Greece 

Jesus himself communicated through stories and changed the world

A somewhat mistrusted and simplified way of communicating

How stories work and their usefulness

Robert’s analogy through learning music 

Anyone can become a storyteller through the right method

Robert talks about why he wrote his book

A lifetime in the making

Links below

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[14:16 - 25:30] The Impact of Storytelling on Building Relationships

Robert talks about relationships that influenced his journey

Meeting Brian Houston while being an itinerant preacher

The relationships that can change your life 

The importance of relationships

God uses people to communicate with you 

Robert’s story about getting invited to speak around Indonesia

Who you know or what you know?

Robert answers through the story of Paul’s conversion 

The strangest people can have the most impact on our lives

How storytelling impacts relationships

Unpacking HOW people impact the world 

Taking the ordinary and making them into a life lesson

Using stories to persuade without coming across as disingenuous 

Building a bridge that works

Robert gives an example of using stories 

Smashing the guitar 

[25:31 - 34:28] Closing Segment

Robert talks about a story’s effect on conversation 

The story of John Wesley and William Wilburforce 

A story that opened up a relationship

How to find your stories 

The gift of curiosity 

ThE RaNdOm RoUnd

How to engage with Robert

Links below

Final words 

Tweetable Quotes: 
“I learned how to build bridges, how to make connections, how to get people’s attention; and how to tell stories!” - Robert Fergusson

“When you start understanding how stories work, it is both simple, yes, but immensely profound in the way that it communicates ideas.” - Robert Fergusson

“A simple decision to thank someone or invite them around for a meal, can mean a change in your destiny.” - Robert Fergusson

Resources Mentioned: 

Are You Getting This? - by Robert Fergusson

Making Connections that Work - by Robert Fergusson

Shackleton: Roland Huntford

Connect with Robert on Instagram for regular teaching and speaking tips. Visit https://hillsong.com/contributor/robert-fergusson/ and learn more from Robert.

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