How can you create a lasting impression with storytelling?

1 Know your purpose

Before you start writing your story, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with it. What is the main point you want to make? How do you want your audience to feel and act after hearing your story? How does your story relate to your topic and your audience's needs and interests? Having a clear purpose will help you focus your story and make it relevant and meaningful.

2 Choose a structure

A good story has a clear structure that guides the audience through the plot and builds tension and interest. A common structure is the three-act model, where you introduce the characters and the situation, present a conflict or a challenge, and resolve it with a climax and a conclusion. Another structure is the hero's journey, where you show how the protagonist goes through a transformation after facing a series of trials and learning a lesson. You can also use other structures, such as the inverted pyramid, the problem-solution, or the before-after, depending on your purpose and message.

3 Use elements of storytelling

To make your story more engaging and memorable, you need to use some elements of storytelling, such as characters, setting, dialogue, conflict, emotion, and sensory details. Characters are the people or entities that drive the action and make the audience care about the outcome. Setting is the time and place where the story happens and creates the context and mood. Dialogue is the conversation between the characters that reveals their personality and emotions. Conflict is the obstacle or challenge that the characters face and creates suspense and drama. Emotion is the feeling that the story evokes in the audience and makes them connect with the message. Sensory details are the descriptions that appeal to the senses and make the story more vivid and realistic.

4 Deliver with confidence and emotion

The way you deliver your story is as important as the content. You need to use your voice, body language, and facial expressions to convey your passion and enthusiasm for your story. You also need to adapt your tone, pace, and volume to match the mood and intensity of your story. You can use pauses, gestures, eye contact, and humor to create rapport and interest with your audience. You can also use props, visuals, or sounds to enhance your story and make it more appealing and memorable.

Storytelling is a skill that you can develop and improve with practice and feedback. By using these tips and techniques, you can create a lasting impression with storytelling in your presentations and captivate your audience with your message.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?