Storytelling

One of the most important ways to get your message across in a way that it sticks with the audience is to narrate a story around it. It not just keeps the audience hooked for the whole period of the presentation by keeping boredom at bay, but also helps in striking an emotional connection, which is a primary ingredient for convincing your audience about the idea at hand.

Here are some handy tips on how to be an effective storyteller.

First, identify the message you want to deliver. It’s really important to be clear on the message the story wishes to convey and ensure that the details in your narration are relevant to the core idea. Unfocussed storytelling may lead to branching away into unnecessary details or a tendency for the speaker to win the audience by bringing humor that may not solve any suitable purpose.

It is important to embed your own experiences, expose your vulnerability and tell the audience about how tough it probably was initially for you to embrace the message that you wish to convey, but your experiences taught you how making the effort to adapt towards the change was something that paid off or will pay off and you feel convinced about it.

Confidence and a healthy sense of self worth are essential, but try not to venture into making yourself the star of your own story. Instead, try to make your audience the hero to boost their confidence and motivate them to be accepting of the new idea. Make the story about the people you know and the experiences you gathered over time rather than boasting about your financial position and how your decisions and ideas helped you get there.

 People love rooting for the underdog who eventually emerges victorious. Make your story about your struggles and about the obstacles that pulled you down. Follow that up with telling them how hanging in there during times of distress finally paid off. It will help your team in relating their inhibitions about accepting the message at hand with your story and make them more receptive to the solutions you offer.

Keeping your stories short and simple, and practicing the art of storytelling over time will help you be a better orator and manager.

****

References: How to Tell a Great Story

Image Source: www.thegraphicrecorder.com