This weekend, parade routes were lined with emerald beads and mugs filled with green beer, all in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Beyond the fun and frivolity, is there something more we can take from the life of St. Patrick?

Underneath the layers of lore, very little is known about the life of St. Patrick. He was born in Britain in the fifth century. As a teenager he was captured and taken to Ireland as a slave. After a number of years in servitude, he escaped and was reunited with his family in Britain. He later chose to return to minister to Ireland. Patrick often used the shamrocks plentiful in Ireland to explain the concept of the Trinity—one God in three persons. He was a dynamic communicator who knew the importance of images and storytelling in breaking down complex topics. It’s a lesson that is as applicable today in the conference room as it was in the fields of Ireland in A.D. 460. In addition to transmitting information to your audience, you also need to connect emotionally with them. That’s where storytelling comes in. Forbes magazine has called storytelling, “the new strategic imperative of business.” Look at TED Talks: they are now a nationally recognized brand that has gained traction through telling compelling stories.

If you’re not a natural storyteller, fear not. There are simple steps you can take to fill out your communication skills. We have a few resources to recommend.

1. Consider picking up a copy of Jonathan Gottschall’s book The Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human. Gottschall breaks down how humans are wired for storytelling.

2. Visit your local Moth storyslam. The Moth invites participants to tell stories from their lives—live—without notes. Observe the storytellers and note what makes a compelling presentation. Maybe you’ll even want to throw your own name in the hat to share a story of your own!

3. If a structured academic experience is more up your alley, we’d suggest taking an online Master Class from Neil Gaiman on the magic and artistry of crafting a story.

As you watch the parades float past in a sea of green this weekend, spend some time considering the lasting impact of a life lived with passion.