An article on public speaking and presentations by Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE
We all know stories
make a speech, sales presentation or staff training more interesting.
May I urge you to create vivid, personal stories for your presentations.
Imagine how I once felt, sitting in an audience of 18,000 people, listening
to Barbara Bush describe a great story she had read in Chicken Soup for
the Soul--my own story which made the point, "What you do speaks louder
than what you say." (Yes, I know Ralph Waldo Emerson said it first.) Did
Barbara Bush mention it was my story? No.
But even if she had mentioned my name, I think she missed a huge opportunity
with her speech. Back then, I imagined her sitting in bed at the White
House, going through stacks of books with a highlighter pen for things
to talk about. Since then, after speaking at the Ragan Speechwriter's
Conference, I've realized more likely, a speech writer did the research
and wrote her words. My point? I'm not upset she didn't credit me. Just
disappointed that someone with Barbara Bush's incredible life experiences
did not share them 100% of the time during her talk. I am sure she had
much more interesting topics and perceptions than reporting on what my
friend Bobby Lewis said to me when we were jogging in Oklahoma City many
years ago.
That's how audiences will feel if you repeat stories and examples they've
already read or heard before multiple times.
My suggest, use your own life experience.
One of the highlights of the Speechwriter's Conference was the dinner
for the speakers the evening before the formal opening. Can you imagine
how excited I was talking to people who write for history? These fascinating
individuals around the dinner table write for individuals from Colin Powell
to Senators to Corporate leaders and University Presidents.
As we sat down for dinner I suggested we go around the table and they
give me a 'thumb nail sketch' of their lives.
Wow...you should have heard the stories! My point...YOU have stories you
hear, or can hear, if you ask your interesting successful friends and
associates the same question. In fact, what stories from your life, family
or career do you entertain your dinner guest with? Ever thought of putting
them in your talks? I promise you, if it works at the dinner table it
will work from the podium. (399 words) |
Patricia Fripp is an executive speech coach, sales presentation skills trainer, and award-winning keynote speaker.
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