ABOUT YOU, FOR THEM
Whenever you present, YOUR STORIES are your most potent tools, and it is important to make them AUDIENCE-FOCUSED.
Your story is ABOUT YOU but it’s FOR THEM. That’s where the value lies. The details are unique, but the value comes from the common ground…when you connect emotionally.
Connection comes when your audience relates to your situation and your story. To be effective, put YOURSELF in your own audience and look for the lesson(s) in the story.
It’s not enough for your audience to think, “WOW! That’s some story!” without any personal application. They may feel sympathy, pity, empathy, but what will they DO with it?
Your story must be less about the ‘WHAT’ (techniques) and more about the ‘WHY’ (audience value.)
Here’s an example, from my 1994-1995 Toastmasters International Speech Contest journey.
After failing to place in the 1994 finals, I was approached by 1990 World Champion of Public Speaking David Brooks.
He said, “You did a nice job with your speech, and have the potential to be even better. If I can help in any way, please give me a call.” I DID call…the next day…and he agreed to be my mentor. (To this day I call him The Master Mentor.)
Under David’s mentorship I became the 1995 World Champion of Public Speaking, and only later learned that he had offered assistance to 7 other 1994 finalists. However, I was THE ONLY ONE who said “Yes.”
How do I make MY story about THEM? SHARE THE LESSON.
Recommended by LinkedIn
That lesson is to start saying “Yes” to opportunities; to think differently and to be more aware of opportunities that present themselves.
That story is ABOUT ME, but FOR THEM.
SO HERE’S MY ASK.
Tell your story to trusted friends/family/associates or your Toastmasters club. DON’T tell them the lesson; let them tell YOU. If 80% or more can accurately articulate it, well done. If not, rework and repeat until you’re happy with the result.
You may never know the impact of your story, but after a presentation, you may hear, “You spoke directly to me!” or “I had NO IDEA anybody else felt that way!” or perhaps “It felt like you told my life story!”
If and when that does happen, you will have delivered value, because you will have told YOUR story, ABOUT you, but you made it FOR THEM!
Do you take your natural chutzpah for granted? I'm focused on the intersection of performance and chutzpah, where key success characteristics and attitude meet boundaries that need stretching.
1yValuable lesson, Mark Brown, CSP. "Your story is ABOUT YOU but it’s FOR THEM. That’s where the value lies. The details are unique, but the value comes from the common ground…when you connect emotionally."
Step into the spotlight with confidence & charisma! Helping executives, entrepreneurs & consultants speak and lead with maximum impact.
1y"DON’T tell them the lesson; let them tell YOU. If 80% or more can accurately articulate it, well done. If not, rework and repeat until you’re happy with the result." Ooh! That is brilliant, Mark Brown, CSP! You are just so darned good!!!! I love your posts!
Speaker | Author | Mentor Science & Tech Execs to Drive Decisions Faster| HOW-TO Model®️Creator | Your Guide to Telling 'Stories that Stick' to Stakeholders
1yMark Brown, CSP 100%! There are so many great things about this post I don't even know where to start, Story is so powerful! 1000 times yes!
Leadership Architect | Building Leadership | Transforming The World | Driven by Leadership
1yMark Brown. You always have thought provoking probing insights! I think we should have you back on our podcast soon
Stay Out in Front®! Providing Powerful Competitive Intelligence to Executives Making Critical Decisions | Servicing CEOs, CSOs, CMOs, Brand Managers & CI Leaders | Keynote Speaker and Workshop Facilitator | CI Fellow
1yAs always, very wise and practical advice! Thanks for the guidance.