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Whether you’re pitching to a client or presenting at a board meeting, you have to engage your audience or else risk a costly ‘failure to communicate’. But why does engagement matter so much? Well, your intention in these meetings is to share your experience with someone else in the hope that it will move them to action. And as Denise Withers, an award-winning communicator and professional storytelling strategist, says:
The psychology of storiesThe most effective way to engage your audience is with storytelling: human beings are wired for them. Our brains often don’t distinguish between fiction and reality, therefore we immerse ourselves in stories as if we were a part of them. Stories make us experience information, as opposed to just consuming it. ‘When we tell stories to others that have really helped us shape our thinking and way of life, we can have the same effect on them too,’ says Buffer co-founder Leo Widrich. Communicate your story right and you can get a potential client to believe in your story just as strongly as you do. Stories are in our natureIf you’re not a natural-born novelist how do you come up with a good story? Creating a narrative isn’t hard; in fact, you do it everyday. Humans have been telling stories for thousands of years, from ancient cave paintings to trivial stories about our journey to the Post Office.To start, break a story into three parts:
Storytelling in businessKeep the story simple yet relatable. You don’t need plot twists and character arcs; you need a story that will resonate with your audience. If you’re pitching to a client, align your problem with something they’ve experienced themselves.
Engage the emotionsIf you’re asking someone to do something, like sign up to your product, then you have to make them care. Unless you’re very lucky, your offering won’t be the only one on the market. To make yours the one they choose, engage their emotions when you tell your story. Describe the trials you overcame in building your company so it was ready for sale; or, rather than simply talking about ‘clients’, describe the people involved your previous deals and the success and personal benefits it’s delivered to them. It’s worth it because, according to Gallup, ‘consumers will give more money to the businesses they feel emotionally connected to.’ Stories come from the heartThe best communicators today are the ones who engage with their audience on a personal level, inviting them to hear their story and ensuring it lives up to expectations. Master this skill, and you will be well on your way to becoming an effective communicator. You might also be interested in: You don’t have to wait for a “big event” to use a story. Less dramatic opportunities appear all the time in the workplace. Whether it’s at your weekly team meeting, a town hall or a crucial 1:1, stories can help you deliver key messages and demonstrate your leadership chops.How would you structure a presentation so as to make it most effective?What is the typical presentation structure?. Greet the audience and introduce yourself. Before you start delivering your talk, introduce yourself to the audience and clarify who you are and your relevant expertise. ... . Introduction. ... . The main body of your talk. ... . Conclusion. ... . Thank the audience and invite questions.. What is the first step of the prep method of justifying your views in a presentation?According to the PREP method of justifying your views in a presentation, immediately after stating your position you should: B. give reasons. According to the PREP method of justifying your views in a presentation, what should you do immediately after providing reasons?
What is the purpose of the resolution component of a story used for a business presentation?It provides a solution to the challenges in the story.
What is one reason why the story line approach is useful?The story line approach is useful for various types of presentations because it? allows listeners to engage on a deeper level intellectually.
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