Mastering the Art of Storytelling

In general, we as a people have always loved stories. When we were kids, bedtime stories let our imaginations run completely wild. As teens, we swapped silly stories with our groups of friends. Each day, a new story is born and new listeners are introduced. Stories paint beautiful, extensive pictures and have the power to enlighten us, move us, and connect us.

Stories can do what facts and statistics can’t; establish familiarity. This familiarity allows you to affect your audience in several unique ways. Here are some tips for effectively telling a story:

Have a Strong, Central Theme

Great stories often make their way towards a final moral or lesson. Your story could of course go many different directions, make several pivots, etc. but it can be incredibly powerful to have it all connect at the end. You want something that will make the audience be affected by what you were building to. That aha moment will surely stick with them beyond your sharing. Whether it’s a sad story, a funny story, or a happy story, be sure to have a clear central theme that ties it all together.  

Create a Structure

What sets stories apart from other forms of speeches is the fact that they follow a natural sequence. One event leads to the next event and to the next, etc. Make sure you map out clear plot points as you lead your audience to the central idea. It is totally okay to add jokes, sidenotes, or segues, but in general, keeping the main points aligned will make for a smoother presentation. 

Get Personal

Don’t be afraid to dig into your real life! Oftentimes, the most personal stories are the most universal ones. It doesn’t have to be overwhelmingly raw and emotional, but revealing parts of yourself does establish a sense of trust with the audience. To put it into perspective, if you open yourself up to them, they’ll open themselves up to you.  

Make Eye Contact

Engaging your audience is the number one objective of telling a story. Do your best to keep your eyes up and stay focused on making your impact. Having notes or guides is completely acceptable, as long as you use them minimally and keep your main attention on the audience. Looking into the audience members’ eyes establishes a unique bond and opens them up to the nuances of your story. 

Relive It

Telling a story is so much more than just telling. Anyone can stand there and recount events. What truly adds to your narrative is the fact that you lived it. So don’t just explain the story...experience it all over again!

Are you inspired to become a storyteller? Check out my services and let’s go!

TODAY, September 1, 2021, come here at 11:00 am EST to help me celebrate my 3 year anniversary!!!!!!

3 years ago today, I faced a great challenge! To walk out of comfort and create my next beautiful now! I walked away from a lucrative position, homelessness and into a new living situation. Things could have gone wrong and all the way left! With GOD's grace and mercy, I re-started Perfect Pitches by Precious, re-started my speaking career and even became a 3X #1 bestselling author and corporate trainer. Today we celebrate with giveaways, love, support, and the Pitch Please era begins!

Click on this link to join me at 11:00 am EST on LinkedIn Live TODAY!

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