4 Ways to Improve Your Storytelling Skills

Presentation Skills ! 
December 2, 2014

4 Ways to Improve Your Storytelling Skills

People are wired for good stories.
 If you can weave a compelling story into your presentation or meeting, your message will be more memorable. Hone your storytelling skills:

(1) Parachute in. 
Avoid “Let me tell you a story about a time I learned…” Drop your audience immediately into the action and draw the lesson out LATER ! 

(2) Follow the “Goldilocks” rule for details.
 Test your story with friends to find the RIGHT LEVEL of detail.
 Give too much detail and your audience is lost or bored; too little, and they lack enough context.

(3) Eye Contact - Focus on one person with one thought. Focus on one person at a time, for 4 to 7 seconds, and try to connect with as many people as possible.

(4)Use silence for impact.
 Silence draws emphasis to what was just said or what is about to come, and it allows others to contribute their own interpretations.