#93 Professional Storytelling posted by Justin Barry, Group AdministratorSaturday, September 17th 2011 @ 5:31 AM

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Storytelling is a beautiful art. A well-developed and presented story can cut across age barriers and will hold the interest of its listeners. Good stories will be remembered long after other presentation so knowing and applying the professional speaker's approach to storytelling will  give your speech the needed impact!

Anecdotes, parables, fables and metaphors are all storytelling techniques for imparting wisdom or simply making a point. Here are three tips to help you find your storytelling message.

 

1. Get PERSONAL

Tap into your personal experiences to bring out the stories for your presentations. Remember that experiences don't automatically provide you the stories...... it's how you reflect and relate to them that does.  This requires imagination and thought, however once you start applying this approach you will find that you quickly become comfortable doing so.

You can also begin to include your observations of other people's behavior and experiences and over time you will quickly build a repertoire of narratives that you will be able to adapt to enhance your presentations on a surprisingly wide range of topics.

2. Learn the distinctiveness of a good story

Reflect and take time to learn what makes a good story for your audience.  Ask yourself, is the story relevant and will it be viewed as sincere:

• Can people relate to story and will learn from it.
• Does the story fits the theme of your presentation and the occasion.
• Is the story told well.
• Do the characters in the story sound interesting and come alive!
• Can the audience relate to the story.
• The story addresses the subject matter at hand.

3. Observe other Storytelling presentations

Observe how other presenters use stories for a variety of purposes and think how you can improve on this for your own presentations.  Here are some reasons why a presenter would introduce a story:

• To make their key points memorable
• Persuade the audience to their point of view
• Encourage thinking
• Provide humor
• Inspire people to take action
• To help build a shared vision
• Raise the energy level of the group
• Introduce controversial issues

I leave you with a quote

"Over the years I have become convinced that we learn best and change from hearing stories that strike a cord within us.  Those in leadership positions who fail to grasp or  to use stories risk failure for themselves and their companies"  John Kotter, Harvard Business School

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