Why is becoming memorable these days so important? Since, we are increasingly being drowned in information on a daily basis. To stand out, and get your message across these days, it becomes increasingly important to go that extra mile, and find a way to nestle your message in the minds of your audience.

The last couple of years for instance I have heard hundreds of presentations. And most of them I have to say have been forgotten. Especially the ones that used probs, clear metaphors and stories in their presentation have stuck in my mind.

So, I am talking about using the powerful tool of sharing stories (read also anecdotes, experiences) in your presentation!

In this article I will describe:
1)    Why you should share stories.
2)    An example of a story.
3)    How you should use them, so they inspire your audience and work!

1 Why should we share stories?

People do not solely want to be informed these days, cause information can be found anywhere. Besides being informed, people want to be inspired! So, not only providing content, but also telling the audience what you have experienced and what you have learnt.
If you want to keep the attention of your audience, you need to use the "law of movement". Or in other word, use variation! Besides explaining your research, content, arguments, share a story or experience to underpin it.
People will remember your presentation much better. Why? Because, by sharing a good story, you’ll trigger peoples senses. For instance, you will create images in the minds of your audience and they will think off/remember and feel like experiences. Thereby, they will remember you much easier! This is simply how the mind works.
By sharing a story, people will start to identify with you. They will automatically think of like experiences, they cannot help it. By identifying with you, they will much easier trust you. People want to work, listen to and deal with people they feel they can trust.

(Maybe needless to say, but your story should of course be authentic. Also your starting point should not be gaining the trust of the audience, but it should be your intention to share an experience and help your audience with it. However, if you tell an authentic story and share your experience, trust will often be a natural result of it).

2 An example of sharing a story:

In 2002, 10 years ago I found myself in Helsinki and learnt one of the most important lessons about presenting in my life. (the facts) I found myself in one of the most luxurious hotels in Helsinki. Carpet 5 inches tick. An antique cabinet with christel glasses and a view over the city to kill for. I was sitting on a crisp with couch and although I should have been on top of the word, I felt horrible. (appeal to the senses and tell the audience how you felt)

The reason being that the big boss from the US was going to be present. And he had a reputation for not being easily satisfied and sacking people for minor mistakes.The whole evening I saw images of what could get wrong the next day. I would have a black-out, I would stutter, the technique would fail. And after having created all these thoughts and images for some hours, I was in the end convinced this presentation would result in my resignation. (the situation)

All of a sudden, at the bottom of despair, I had a thought. What if I would twist things 180 degrees around and create images and thoughts of how I would want this presentation to go. And all of a sudden I saw myself giving a great presentation. I felt much better. (the situation)

Next day, I woke up and still felt nervous, but at the same time I felt a deep trust. Being prepared and feeling the trust I gave away a very good presentation. What I have learnt is that you have a choice. You can either feed your fear, of feed your confidence. (the effect) So, what this means for you is that I am going to teach you how you can do this. (Why am I telling you this.) So, that ….. next time you have to present and you are very nervous, you will know how to ……… (intention/result).

3 When does a story work? There are a few steps that need to be taken, in order for the story to work.

The facts. Year, ages, place. Situation, (as concise as possible). Engage the senses to draw the audience into your story.
How you felt. "What did this do to you".
The effect. ‘What I have learned" or "Now I know".
The point you want to make. "Why I am telling you this".
The intention/result. "How is this going to help you".

The story will not work, if you leave out step 4 and 5. It is crucial that you make the link to your audience. How is YOUR story going to make THEM better is key!!!

So my message to you is; be bold, dare to be inspirational and show a piece of yourself, by sharing a story! If you follow the above-mentioned steps, you cannot miss, but become memorable in a inspirational manner! And who would not like to be just that!

Good luck with it!
Mabel Frumau
www.presentingwithimpact.nl

Would you like to have me as a speaker for your event? Send an e-mail to info@presentingwithimpact.nl

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