<div style=”transition: none 0s ease 0s; display: block; direction: ltr; text-align: left;” data-rss-type=”text”> n n When you think of the most powerful speeches you’ve heard, it’s likely they all have one thing in common: the use of storytelling to illustrate their message.n n <div> n <br/> n </div> n <div> n n The power of authenticity and humility is enough to move anyone. Storytelling is an excellent way to captivate your audience and give them an experience they will remember. Stories cause the brain to produce oxytocin, a chemical that causes you to feel empathy and the will to cooperate. This means your audience will hang on to every word you have to say and be more engaged with your ideas and message. n n </div> n <div> n <br/> n </div> n <div> n n So, how can you incorporate storytelling into your presentation? Here are some tips to help you get started…n n </div> n <div> n <br/> n </div> n <div> n </div> n <span style=”font-weight: 700;”> n <div> n n 1. Open with the story. n n <span style=”font-weight: 300; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);”> n n Since stories are proven to be an excellent way to grab your audience’s attention, why not use one right off the bat? You don’t even need to greet your audience or fumble around with any other pleasantries. Your presentation will be infinitely more compelling when you jump right in with your story. n n </span> n </div> n </span> n <div style=”text-align: left; direction: ltr;”> n <br/> n </div> n <div style=”text-align: left; direction: ltr;”> n </div> n <span style=”font-weight: 700;”> n <div style=”text-align: left; direction: ltr;”> n n 2. Make it personal. n n <span style=”background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-weight: 300;”> n n I’m sure you’ve heard it before, “show what you know.” Obviously, your entire presentation should illustrate this, but your story element will be far more compelling if it’s one you’ve experienced. There’s no need to go searching for someone else’s story to drive your point. Dig deep into your own experiences and find something that will introduce your topic and connect you with the audience.n n </span> n </div> n </span> n <div> n <br/> n </div> n <div> n </div> n <span style=”font-weight: 700;”> n <div> n n 3. Use stories throughout. n n <span style=”background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-weight: 300;”> n n To keep the audience’s attention that you won in the beginning, sprinkle in stories throughout your entire presentation. The amount will depend on the length of your presentation and the length of your stories, so use your best judgment. Balance it well with the “meat” of your presentation. Make sure there is a purpose to the stories you choose to tell. n n </span> n </div> n </span> n <div> n <br/> n </div> n <div> n <span style=”font-weight: 700;”> n n 4. Callback.n n </span> n n n n <span style=”background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);”> n n To really drive your point home, add a callback to the story you told in the beginning at the end of your presentation. Bringing it back full circle is an effective way to make your presentation memorable and compelling. Wrap up your presentation by referring back to an important element of the story. Try adding new details to give your audience a new perspective, or an “aha!” moment. n n </span> n </div> n <div> n <br/> n </div> n <div> n <br/> n </div> n <div> n n Stories are an essential tool for taking your presentation to the next level. By making your presentation into more of a narrative, you’ll hold your audience’s attention longer and it will stick with them long after it’s over. n n </div> n</div>
