I recently had the chance to work with a top executive from a massive company, and during our chat, he shared that he grew up in Manila’s slums—a tough start, but one that highlighted just how much his mom’s insistence on education shaped his life.
It was a powerful reminder of how potent a good backstory can be in storytelling.
You know, when it comes to telling a great story, especially in speeches, there’s something magical about it, right?
Like Jason Silva once said, we’re basically wired for stories.
They pull us in and make us live through the experiences alongside the narrator, something bare facts just can’t do.
But for a narrative to truly grip your audience, it needs three key elements.
Next time you’re weaving a tale into your presentation, keep these pointers in mind:
1. Build anticipation
It’s like when you’re teasing a little adventure.
If I told you, “Let’s go for a drive,” you’d definitely wonder where we’re headed.
Think of your story as a journey—your audience wants to know the destination but keep them guessing about what’s coming.
Just like that Shark Attack game I got for Thanksgiving.
We all knew the shark would snap shut at some point, but not knowing when kept everyone on their toes.
Similarly, when Apple teases a new product release, they give just enough info to get everyone buzzing, waiting on edge for the big reveal.
2. Share personal experiences
There’s nothing like personal touch in stories.
I asked another client, a former navy captain, about his best career moment.
Without missing a beat, he said, “coming home.”
It hit me right then how universal the joy of returning home feels.
Personal stories resonate deeply, offering a peek into real emotions and experiences.
Think of how powerful it is when a speaker shares a mistake they’ve made in the past, like a failed project that taught them a crucial lesson.
It makes them more relatable and trustworthy.
3. Keep it short
Ever got lost because you took too many turns?
Same goes for storytelling.
Stick to the essentials to keep your audience engaged, not lost.
Overloading with details can dilute the impact.
Like when you’re telling a friend about a funny incident.
You wouldn’t delve into every detail—just the punchy parts that deliver the laugh. Keep your stories crisp and to the point.
Final thoughts
Just imagine you’re telling your story to a friend.
Keep it real, keep it heartfelt, and above all, keep it engaging.
Want to dive deeper into crafting stories that make your ESG brand story pop?
Drop me a line, and let’s set up a chat to hone your story to perfection.
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