Storytelling is an age-old tradition that transcends cultures, languages, and generations. It has a unique ability to captivate minds, convey messages, and create lasting impressions.
And when it comes to public speaking, stories bridge the gap between you and your audience.
We’re hardwired as human beings to love hearing stories and telling stories. It’s in our DNA. Ever since the hunters went out hunting, brought the kill back to the village, and then recounted the adventure for the rest of the villagers, we have been primed to love stories.
Here are four storytelling techniques to incorporate storytelling into your business presentations, speeches, and pitches, making it a powerful tool for communication and persuasion between you and your audience.
- Help Others Come Up with Your Idea: The Power of Shared Narratives
Have you ever found yourself sharing a story that someone else told you, making it sound like it was your own idea? This phenomenon, as explained by Uri Hasson from Princeton, highlights the incredible impact of storytelling on the human brain.
When you tell a compelling story, you activate parts of the listener’s brain, allowing them to internalize the narrative as their own idea and experience.
In practical terms, this means that when faced with the challenge of getting a captivating story, you can tap into stories you’ve already heard. You can then frame the story ending with the result you want, depending on the situation.
By doing so, you’re not just presenting information; you’re creating a shared narrative that others can embrace and make their own.
- Write More Persuasively with Personal or Expert Stories
For those venturing into the world of public speaking, you often wonder how to make your content believable, especially if you lack personal experience in the subject matter.
The solution lies in the art of storytelling. Instead of relying solely on your own experiences, incorporate stories from experts in the field you’re talking about.
There are three basic types of stories: Your own personal stories, other people’s stories, and stories about your company, organization, or community. Pretty much every story falls into one of these three categories.
Whether it’s quoting industry leaders or sharing passages from authoritative figures, integrating expert narratives into your writing adds credibility and engages your audience.
Remember, a well-told story, even if not from your personal experience, can be a powerful persuasive tool and helps the audience connect with you.
- Simplicity Trumps Complexity: The Success of Simple Stories
Contrary to the misconception that stories need to be intricate to be interesting, the truth is that simplicity often leads to more significant impact.
Research suggests that using simple language and low complexity activates specific brain regions, fostering a deeper connection between the audience and the story.
In your presentations, public speaking, or pitches, focus on using straightforward and heartfelt language. Reduce the number of adjectives and complicated nouns, opting instead for simplicity.
If you have to use acronyms, make sure you tell the audience, even if they’re industry experts, what they mean.
When conveying complex ideas and concepts, nix the complicated, ‘buzz word’, or alienating industry language. Use the simplest language you can and use stories to illustrate and exemplify. Remember what Einstein said, “Make everything as simple as possible; no simpler.”.
This approach ensures that your story resonates with the audience, making it more likely to stick in their minds. It also reminds them that you’re a human being and they’re a human being and you’re both connecting on a personal and human level.
- Avoid Overused Phrases for Maximum Impact
You have to be mindful of overused words and phrases.
Scientists have found that certain expressions, such as figures of speech, may lose their storytelling power over time. These phrases become so familiar that the brain treats them merely as words without triggering the emotional experiences associated with storytelling.
When crafting your stories or social media posts, be aware of these common phrases and strive for originality to engage the frontal cortex and evoke emotions effectively.
Here’s the thing: Storytelling is a powerful tool that can enhance your communication skills, whether you’re trying to persuade others, share experiences, or simply connect on a deeper level.
By embracing the art of storytelling in your everyday business communications, you unlock the ability to inspire, motivate, and leave a lasting impact on those around you.
Use simple words, invest personally in your stories, and embrace the power of inclusivity when it comes to your audience. We all want to experience stories together, as a community, so capitalize on the power of storytelling to engage, persuade, and inspire your audience to action and get the results you want from all your business communications and public speaking.
