Why do we need stories in presentations?

You have taken the time to put together your content, you have your data compiled and you have been given a date to come and make that presentation that could change your life, your career or even your business. Now it is time for you to think and ask yourself this question – “What will make my message resonate with people”

How can you make this presentation memorable? What will make it brilliant?

A story.

A story is a depiction of a journey. It is a means of transferring information, experience, attitude or point of view. We tell stories every day – mostly to ourselves. Stories are born within us. We are both the teller and listener of our own stories.
Why do we need stories in presentations?
 Stories bring about change: A great story is like a ripple. If shared with everyone it can potentially change their perspectives and lives forever. If you share a story for instance, on how your business failed, you can save people from making the same mistakes. If you share a story on how you overcame an obstacle you can inspire others to conquer their problems and accomplish their dreams. When you tell stories you make your experience more meaningful because you are making life easier for others.

 Stories help you build a genuine relationship with your audience: Using stories during your presentation is a good way to express who you are, where you have been and why you are the way you are. Using your own story will make your audience see you as a real person. You become more than just a face and a name. Using stories helps you activate the emotions of your audience and this can transform a formal experience into a genuine interaction that binds you and the audience together.

 Stories enhance self-awareness. The more you understand who you are and your path in life the easier it will be to communicate your message and your vision clearly.

There is something very natural and compelling about telling and listening to stories. We all love stories. One way to make your presentation memorable is to use stories. For your stories to be memorable and impactful-You story must be simple and easy to understand. It must be unexpected. It must be credible. It must be relevant and concrete and It must contain emotions

When delivering a presentation, part of your responsibility is to make the audience aware of the gaps in their knowledge and then fill that gap with the answers or guide them to the answers. All this is can be done through stories. A presentation should be much more than just talking points and stories help people to visualize your message.

“You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone’s soul, becomes their, blood and self and purpose. That tale will move them and drive them and who knows what they might do because if it, because of your words. That is your role, your gift.” – Erin Morgenstern