As I assist a variety of communicators, many aspects of improved speaking are discussed. We go over the subject matter on which they should focus. We talk about the most compelling manner in which they could move about the stage. We even consider how wardrobe plays into the mix.
However, I find that I repeatedly return to one suggestion that I believe overshadows in importance all of these others. It is so important, in fact, that I believe that, even if someone ignores all of my other advice, they can nonetheless be quite effective if they heed this one piece of advice.
This indispensible exhortation is: Master telling stories!
Storytelling, when considered in all of its complexity, is possibly the most powerful form of communication in which humans can engage. Stories can move people in ways few other things can. And it is no surprise when we consider the roots of storytelling among humanity.
We must remember that, for most of human history, there was no very simple way to write things down. People had to mentally recall all of their family's or tribe's important information. One of the main ways they accomplished this daunting feat was by encoding the information within and then telling, over and over again, stories. Thus, in many cultures, the talented storyteller became a very important and well respected individual.
Although we now have not only paper and pen, but digital equipment, with which to record more data than most of us could ever need, our brains maintain most of their structure from those days long ago. They are still quite literally wired for telling and appreciating stories. And this gives public speakers of all levels an opportunity to powerfully reach listeners.
In order to best take advantage of the human predilection for stories, you should try to tailor them to include certain characteristics sure to make them more outstanding in their effect. Here are just four of them:
*An opening that builds curiosity - The beginning of a great story may set up a premise that leaves the listener wondering what is going to happen
*Give them someone to relate with - Audiences respond to stories that involve people that they feel share traits with them
*Repeat your central thesis - Several times during the telling of the story, say a similar line that listeners are sure to remember when they later try to recall what the story was really about
*A suprising or touching conclusion - Stories are much more memorable when they either take us in unexpected directions or engage our emotions strongly in how they turn out
Regardless of the subject matter of your talk, you can find some manner in which to integrate storytelling. It may be integrated just a little. Or a story may constitute the entirety of your speech. You will have to decide on the specifics based on the nature of the presentation you will be delivering. However, whether you employ story a little bit or a great deal, it is sure to add a layer of power to your speech.
However, I find that I repeatedly return to one suggestion that I believe overshadows in importance all of these others. It is so important, in fact, that I believe that, even if someone ignores all of my other advice, they can nonetheless be quite effective if they heed this one piece of advice.
This indispensible exhortation is: Master telling stories!
Storytelling, when considered in all of its complexity, is possibly the most powerful form of communication in which humans can engage. Stories can move people in ways few other things can. And it is no surprise when we consider the roots of storytelling among humanity.
We must remember that, for most of human history, there was no very simple way to write things down. People had to mentally recall all of their family's or tribe's important information. One of the main ways they accomplished this daunting feat was by encoding the information within and then telling, over and over again, stories. Thus, in many cultures, the talented storyteller became a very important and well respected individual.
Although we now have not only paper and pen, but digital equipment, with which to record more data than most of us could ever need, our brains maintain most of their structure from those days long ago. They are still quite literally wired for telling and appreciating stories. And this gives public speakers of all levels an opportunity to powerfully reach listeners.
In order to best take advantage of the human predilection for stories, you should try to tailor them to include certain characteristics sure to make them more outstanding in their effect. Here are just four of them:
*An opening that builds curiosity - The beginning of a great story may set up a premise that leaves the listener wondering what is going to happen
*Give them someone to relate with - Audiences respond to stories that involve people that they feel share traits with them
*Repeat your central thesis - Several times during the telling of the story, say a similar line that listeners are sure to remember when they later try to recall what the story was really about
*A suprising or touching conclusion - Stories are much more memorable when they either take us in unexpected directions or engage our emotions strongly in how they turn out
Regardless of the subject matter of your talk, you can find some manner in which to integrate storytelling. It may be integrated just a little. Or a story may constitute the entirety of your speech. You will have to decide on the specifics based on the nature of the presentation you will be delivering. However, whether you employ story a little bit or a great deal, it is sure to add a layer of power to your speech.
About the Author:
Larry S., through his work, explains to his readers why public speaking is important and gives suggestions on his Tumblr blog.
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