Let Me Tell You a Little Story

Once upon a time there was a businessperson who had the task of convincing an audience of the need for the business to plan better for the future. Instead of starting out with a spreadsheet and a long list of numbers he started with a story we all know, "The Three Little Pigs." He engaged his audience with the brilliance of the little pig who built his house out of brick then used that metaphor to segue into his discussion of long-term planning.

There are many ways to communicate depending on the message you need to deliver, who the targeted recipient is, and the urgency of the message.

The military officer orders.
The advertiser entices.
The leader inspires.
The trainer, supervisor, or coach motivates.

Since few of us are in a position to communicate by barking orders, we have to learn to become more effective in enticing, inspiring, and motivating. Perhaps the most effective method is to think back to the days when you were a child and your parents told you a bedtime story. Many of these stories are parables ? a short tale that illustrates a lesson or moral attitude in an entertaining manner. Compare the well-known childhood favorite, "The Little Engine That Could" with a lecture on the values of "persistence." The story is really a romantic rendition that captures the imagination of a youngster so much better than a discussion of sticking to a task. But stories are not just for little kids, we all listen more intently when we are entertained.

Listeners become engaged when being told a story. Our comprehension and empathy increases as we identify with the circumstances, the people, and events that we imagine when an entertaining story is told with skill and emotion. A story is so much better than a dry, factual laundry list of "do's" and "do nots."

When you have to convince, motivate, inspire, sell, or entertain, think of preparing your communication in a form your audience will react to with enthusiasm and wonder. It will help them better prepare for the day that big bad wolf comes to huff and puff and blow the house down.

Larry Galler coaches and consults with high-performance executives, professionals, and small businesses since 1993. He is the writer of the long-running (every Sunday since November 2001) business column, "Front Lines with Larry Galler" Sign up for his free newsletter at http://www.larrygaller.com

---

Being Real From the Platform

"Let it be known, no person, thing, or situation... Read More

Preparation for Your Presentations

(Excerpted From the Jim Rohn Millennium Weekend Event)Persistence in your... Read More

How to Prevent Presentation and Speaking Disasters

I just got back from my whirlwind speaking engagements and... Read More

The Upside to an Auditory Rehearsal

Many experienced trainers feel that there is something lacking in... Read More

Tips to Temper Speaking Anxiety

People take it for granted that leaders have achieved some... Read More

Your Unique Point of View

I had a chance to go to one of those... Read More

Top Ten Rules for Effective Presentations

I am of the belief that the majority of people... Read More

Developing Successful Demonstrations

SUCCESSFUL DEMONSTRATIONS: All of us have seen demonstrations in one... Read More

Speech in Business

The social skills of a small businessperson, franchisee, independent contractor... Read More

Audience Respect

One of the biggest mistakes most presenters make is in... Read More

Creating a Powerful Sales Presentation

The quality of your sales presentation will often determine whether... Read More

How You Can Save On Conference Calling

In recent years, companies have recognized the need to expand... Read More

Dump Your Speeches For Leadership Talks

The CEO of a worldwide business asked me to help... Read More

Tech Tips: PowerPoint Keyboard Shortcuts for PowerPoint Slide Shows

Whether you use a mouse or a remote control to... Read More

Four Different Ways People Process Your Information

There are four different ways that audience members assimilate information.... Read More

The Missing Link in Presentation Skills Training

Imagine you are the most amazing figure skater who ever... Read More

Creating Your Presentation Success With a Positive ?I CAN? Attitude

According to the Lamalle Report on Top Executives of the... Read More

Top Ten Tips For Better Business Presentations To Asian Audiences

Audiences around the world are all different. Cultural, social and... Read More

Create A Better Impresion With Your Emails

How do you come across in your emails?As I receive... Read More

Story Telling As A Tool For Trainers

Once upon a time????."Yeah right, don't tell us a story,... Read More

Handling Questions with Authority

At some point in your presentation you will be expected... Read More

8 Ways to Improve Your Presentation Skills

8 Ways to Improve Your Presentation Skills 1. Join Toastmasters.... Read More

Present for Success: Simple Strategies to Add Confidence and Credibility to Your Next Presentation

Tomorrow's the day and you're dreading it. You're scheduled to... Read More

Transitions: Building Bridges to Your Points

Presenters often tell me that they fear losing their train... Read More

Grand Opening: The Key To Great Presentations

Whether you are speaking in front of a civic group... Read More

Powerful Presentations: How to Write and Deliver a Presentation to Remember

If the mere thought of standing up in front of... Read More

If You Want Business - Throw a Seminar!

Why is throwing a seminar good for business?If you want... Read More

Communication Barriers and Simplifying the Communication Process

The communication process can be much more difficult than a... Read More

How to Make Good Use of Your Web Conference Session

Preperation is vital when conducting a successful videoconference session. Thus... Read More

Total Recall: How to Remember Your Speech Without Memorizing

We all fear that moment. You look out on a... Read More

Show the World Your Wares Easily and Inexpensively

You've spent a lot of time preparing your PowerPoint presentations... Read More

Don?t Give Presentations Or Speeches - Give Leadership Talks Instead

The CEO of a worldwide business asked me to help... Read More

How To Run Your Greatest Conference Ever

Like most good achievements, a magnificent meeting depends on planning... Read More