Story Telling In Presentations
I have been fortunate enough to work for an individual who was an outstanding story-teller. He actually belonged to a story-telling group and would often use some of his colleagues for a group presentation that was centered around "stories".
Bill could put together two or three stories that were specifically tailored to particular objectives and intent. It was quite a remarkable and entertaining experience to be an audience member. His stories would "involve" the audience because they were stories that everyone could identify with; and really "paint" a mental picture that involved the listeners almost as characters/observers in the story.
His stories were often very humorous, centered around common every day experiences and would really "bring the important points" home. The details of the story would remain in your mind for a day or so; the story itself a bit longer, maybe a week or so; but the "talking-points" would often remain in one's mind in such a way that anything that evoked a memory of the story (or a part of the story) would "automatically" and almost immediately bring the essence and purpose of the story back to mind.
Some people are very good at story-telling; and story tellers usually have a talent for painting a "picture" that the mind retains. This being said, if one is a good story teller, he/she may want to utilize story-telling or give a "story-telling" presentation a try.
This is a time honored tool to engage the audience. It will take the dull and related it to the listener
Ernest,
I agree whole-heartedly & there is an increasing emphasis on organizational story-telling & helping upper management to become better story tellers, so it is a valuable skill.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree that story telling is a great tool to catch the audience. If you are able to tell stories from personal experience - great. If not, make a collection of little stories when you hear, read or watch them.
In the mind of the audience a good story will last and be linked to the key messages for ever.
I had worked thirty plus years in the field when I started teaching automotive technology. With no public speaking experience and a pronounced lack of ability to hold an audience’s attention, not to mention being more nervous than a long tail cat in a room full of rocking chairs, the first day of my first class was a disaster!
I knew I wanted to teach, but it was obvious I needed to find a delivery style that I felt comfortable with and would keep my students engaged.
Later during that first week, while attempting to deliver a lecture on early carburation technology, specifically the accelerator pump circuit, I suddenly recalled a traumatic experience I had suffered early in my career that resulted in the loss of all my hair, including beard and eyebrows. I found it wondrously easy to tell the story in a humorous but very relevant manner. The class was mine. The students paid rapt attention through the completion of the lecture, giggling sporadically whenever they experienced a mental image of their instructor bent over an engine now covered with the ashes of his once plentiful hair. More importantly, they absorbed the material so well and made such high marks on the test, I was asked by management if I had given them the answers!
Needless to say, “story telling†is one of my most valuable tools.
Scott,
yes, yes, yes! Too often we undervalue stories in a "professional" environment.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
This is a great example as to how you should "tell a story". My students seem to do better with shorter stories compared to the more drawn out types.
With 40 years of experience in the "real" world I find that stories help me teach the application of the text material. However, I do sometimes get carried away with too much detail. Do you have any quick advice on how to tell stories effectively without getting too far from the point?
Phill,
I think the best way is to practice them ahead of time & can a real feel for the time frame for the story. This way you know if you are taking too long or not.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I could not agree more. I have found that stories do the best job of taking an obscure concept - which in most cases, the students have never previously been exposed to - and put in a context that they can understand.
And in my experience, I have found that a personal story that includes learning from my own mistakes, gives a practical example, AND helps to build mutual trust and respect with the students. I always say you'll never stop learning in your field, and my stories show that I, too, continue to learn.
Paul,
yes to all of this & the stories are also a great way to excite the students about their future careers & applying the skills they are learning now.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree. I find that relaying stories of my mistakes or "misfortunes" from when I was a student or early on in my career, allows me to be more relatable to my students. Students sometimes see us as the end all be all of our areas of expertise. The art of poignant story telling, is most helpful in keeping my students' attention and their interest in the topic at hand.
Story telling during a presentations makes it real. The audience will have more respect for a speaker who has experienced something relating to the topic. In general, people would rather hear a personal experience that the boring statistics that some speakers use in their presentations.
I find it much easier to remain engaged in a presentation when the speaker uses personal stories and experiences; not to mention that it keeps me awake!
I can tell by the reactions of the groups I speak to that stories help to raise intrinsic motivation.
Story telling during a presentations makes it real. It's more fun for me and the listeners.
I use this in my everyday work as a teacher.
Works great to make them "feel" what you are talking about.
I teach electricity and electronic concepts and the only way I can get the point across to many is through stories. I teach these concepts at an automotive school (where I have no knowledge of repairing cars) so I count on other instructors for their stories to help get points across. I've had several people ask me, "How do you know so much about cars when you've never worked on them?"
Stories work great!
I also use this technique and find that if the students see you are or have been in the same position as they feel they are, you gain their trust. If they trust you most are willing to listen. Trust and credibility are what I feel are the 2 most important things we need in order to teach students.
Mark,
and these stories can be great ways to help them really grasp the concepts & see the application.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Anthony,
this is very true, especially for the adult learner. I'm demonstrating that they've had valuable experiences before entering my class.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Work experience stores are the best way to add to the topic you are delivering.
Charles,
yes, this helps make (sometimes) abstract concepts into concrete & tangible action items.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
