Public Speaking - Storytelling Don'tsWhen setting up a story: * Don't say the words funny, reminds me of, or story. These words are so overused they alert the audience that a story is coming. This causes audience members to resist your story rather than get caught up in your story. They say in essence, Let's see you make me laugh, or OK here comes another story. Better ways to set up a story The best way to start a story is to get right into it. You should be into the story before anyone realizes it is a story. That way they are already deeply involved and don't have time to resist. You could say: There was this man... On the flight here... Don't say, A funny thing happened on the way to the meeting today. Driving in this morning... In the cab today... I was talking with... Let me take you back..., Come with me... Imagine..., Visualize this... These are a little different because they do alert the audience that a story is coming, but they get them so involved emotionally that any resistance is counteracted. When getting out of a story * Never say, But seriously folks. If it was a funny story you don't have to say, Hey Stupid! That was a joke. It also implies you were lying. Here Are Some More Don'ts * Use too many stories on the same topic. Each successive one will lose impact. Example: I had a terrible day at the beach. I came home with 14 harpoon wounds. How do you become a great speaker and get paid for it? Learn the public speaking secrets that can make you $5500 or more per speech! Learn the skills to change other people's lives forever. It's easier than you think! |