The Art of Storytelling in Public Speaking
It is important for speakers to remember that human beings have
an insatiable appetite for stories. From the time we were
children when we constantly asked our parents to, " Tell me a
story" until the present time nothing has changed. We love to
listen to and tell stories.
Life is filled with experiences and when we share these
experiences we are telling stories. When we listen to the
experiences of others we are sharing their stories. Can you
imagine life without stories? What would we talk about?
To validate this human hunger for stories all you have to do is
observe what happens when you meet an old friend you haven't
seen for some time. The first thing you want to do is find out
what they've been up to. This is a request to be told stories.
At a party all ears perk up when someone says, " Did you hear
what happened to Judy?"
In Church a boring sermon suddenly comes alive when the preacher
begins to tell a story.
You come home from work after an exciting or frustrating day at
the office and the first thing you say is " You'll never guess
what happened to me today." As soon as these words leave your
lips you have peoples' attention. If you doubt this try saying,
" Oh I'm sure you'd rather not hear this." and see them beg to
be told your story.
This natural hunger for stories provides speakers and writers
with a powerful magnetic tool to connect with and hold our
audiences. NEVER give a speech without sprinkling it with
generous doses of stories.
Stories inform, entertain and grab peoples' attention. Use them
often and effectively.
Become a collector and teller of stories