7 Practical Tips for Business Storytelling.
Layering stories (examples) into your presentations adds detail, creates mental images, and makes dry or remote information more accessible.
Studies show that ideas are more readily accepted when put into a narrative structure as opposed to an analytical structure. Listeners internalize and remember information when it is presented in story mode.
Top 7 Tips:
- To start: when preparing your presentation, write down the key elements.
- Examine each one and think about original narratives that illustrate each point. Avoid stories that are not directly tied to your message.
- These examples should preferably be from your personal experience. Authenticity is key.
- Consider the length of the presentation, and ensure you strike a balance with the number of examples you share. Too many will drag down the pacing.
- When you begin the presentation, jump right in with your lead story! Put aside the welcome / bio / agenda overview etc., until later.
- Speak like a human being. Avoid starting with a slide. Make strong eye contact, and launch into the narrative that illuminates your main point.
- If you can, conclude the presentation by referring to your opening narrative. This “callback” will reinforce your original idea and conclude the presentation far better than a standard wrap-up.