You have probably heard the phrase, “They may not remember what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.”
The funny thing is many people have gone into presentations with fact, details, and numbers and unless those items are the most important pieces to your agenda your presentation will not be memorable.
When you are presentation making a , you are presenting yourself as a credible expert and sharing the message that is informative and perhaps even entertaining.
- Personal stories/examples. Storytelling is the most powerful way to get a message across with the greatest impact. People can relate to stories through their emotions and experiences. Share some of your personal stories. The best advice I can give you is live an exciting life. Testimonials or client success stories can share a beginning along with the transformation. Not only is this exciting, it can stimulate the emotions of your audience and their want to know more about what you plan to say.
- Quotations. Quotes and famous words can inspire and motivate. you can use these to share your interpretation and related it to your audience. You may also leave your audience with a thought-provoking question or challenge related to the quotation.
- Collect information, articles, or quotes from books that intrigue you. Chances are if something has piqued your interest, it will pique the interest of others. Comparison and contrast examples can also be a very powerful way to get your message across.
Avoid clichés as they can be overused.
They can almost be like missing the punch line altogether.
Make your presentation memorable.
I know you can do it as you probably already share some of those stories with your family and friends.
Look for the lessons that you have learned and how you can teach others to achieve the same.
How has storytelling help you in getting your message across?
Hi, Debra …
I agree with you on the importance of story-telling when delivering a presentation. If you listen to any high-profile speaker (aka presenter), you’ll see that they almost always insert personal anecdotes into their presentation in order to connect with their audience … as if to be speaking ‘with’ them, instead of ‘at’ them. They will be much more involved with what you have to say, once they begin to relate to you.
You’ve made some really good points here, and I’m glad to be reminded of them.
cheers,
/L.
Great point Lily-Ann! No one wants to be spoke “at” – partnership in conversation. Thanks for the comment!