The Power of Storytelling as a Tester

13th January 2023
  • Locked
Gareth Waterhouse's profile
Gareth Waterhouse

Principal Test Engineer

The Power of Storytelling as a Tester image
Like Bookmark
Talk Description

As a tester, we talk to a lot of people, we tell people a lot of things, but they don't always listen. 

This talk will look at how powerful stories can be when trying to get our point across, whether that be raising bugs, talking about challenges we're facing or even talking about the testing that we're doing.  It will call on times when I've done this well, and when I've done this not so well and the effects of that. 

It will talk about how to structure stories, how to get people to buy into the story, how to tell a story short and succinct (think an elevator pitch) and how non-verbal communication can help amplify the story's reach and influence. 

What you’ll learn

By the end of this talk, you'll be able to:

  • An understanding of story fundamentals - How telling good stories can help you influence people and get what you want
  • How to apply that to testing and everyday life - In terms of telling people about bugs, or about challenges you may be facing to help them understand
  • How to make sure you get the important points across in the story - We've all been there when someone tells a story that goes on, and on, and on, and on... anyway, you get the point, we'll look at how to break down a story to get the key points across in the story
  • How to amplify your story telling through your non verbal communication - When telling a story, only so much is said through what is actually said, you can achieve so much more from a story when you factor in other aspects of communication
Gareth Waterhouse's profile'

Gareth Waterhouse

Principal Test Engineer

Seasoned Tester with over a decade of experience, father of two and Sunderland fan (please don't hold that against me). Always looking at ways to develop others. Regularly blog about things that I think may be of interest.
Suggested Content
Sonnets for Software Testers
Continuous Testing - Gary Fleming
Community Thoughts: Falsehoods Testers Believe
The Hidden Logic of Thinking for Testers
Why We’re Getting Rid of Q&As at TestBash
Ministry of Testing’s Guide to Liverpool
How to Talk to a CIO About Software Testing (If You Really Have to…) - Keith Klain
The Rapid Software Testing Guide to What You Meant To Say – Michael Bolton
First 100 Days as the Only and First Tester in a New Company – Kim Knup
You Know Code, We Know Security!
With a combination of SAST, SCA, and QA, we help developers identify vulnerabilities in applications and remediate them rapidly. Get your free trial today!
Explore MoT
TestBash Brighton 2024
TestBash Brighton 2024
Thu, 12 Sep 2024, 9:00 AM
We’re shaking things up and bringing TestBash back to Brighton on September 12th and 13th, 2024.
Cognitive Biases In Software Testing
Cognitive Biases In Software Testing
Learn how to recognise cognitive biases, explain what they are and use them to your advantage in your testing

Topics

Tags

  • communication
  • influence
  • testbash-uk