Should I use stories in my presentation?
The following comes from TJ Walker’s upcoming book “The Wisdom of Your Audience”. Consistently, the worst advice speakers and presenters get, comes from everyone who is NOT your audience. The following gives examples of some of the WORST advice people are often given. It is followed by the advice of your audience. Listen to them. They are your true judge and jury.
Should I use stories in my presentation?
Your Speech Writer: “Yes, you should open and close your speech with a heart-warming story.”
Your Public Relations Director: “Yes, if there is time, let’s put in a few stories to flesh out our points.”
You: “Of course I’d like to put some stories into the presentation, but unfortunately, there’s no time because of all of the data points I must cover.”
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Your Audience: “It is highly unlikely that we will remember anything from your speech other than your interesting and relevant stories (if you doubt this, just ask us five minutes after your speech is over to tell you what you said during your presentation and you will be greeted with a blank look). If you have an important point or message you want us to remember, you’d b e an absolute fool or imbecile not to tell us a story involving a conversation you had with a real colleague, client, customer or friend that makes this message come alive in a tangible way. If you don’t want us to remember anything from your speech, then by all means, leave out the stories.”