How can you make your delivery memorable with storytelling, humor, and anecdotes?

El storytelling es una herramienta súper poderosa que va más allá de simplemente contar historias. Es una forma efectiva de comunicarse, conectar, persuadir y transmitir información de manera significativa y memorable.

I used to think I wasn't a "good" storyteller. I would avoid speaking up at meetings or having conversations at dinner tables because of a story that I didn't know how to tell stories. I started to challenge my way of thinking as I interacted with mentors and coaches who encouraged me to share more thoughts and insights. In 2022, I created an opportunity to speak and lead a huge conference. What I saw that connected with the audience were stories. By sharing myself authentically and powerfully, it allowed themselves to be in the story with me. I saw by "building a bigger bubble", I could invite people into my POV and give them safety to share theirs. Storytelling is vital for influence because our stories matter and they change lives.

Storytelling is one of the best tools to infuse into your presentation to make it memorable. As a speaker, I find that what most people struggle with when it comes to storytelling is learning how to share their stories. Because many of us fear our stories aren’t impactful enough on their own. To overcome this fear and master telling your story, identify the parts of your personal story that are relatable and fit your subject matter. Then, build your presentation around those components. Doing so works with almost every subject matter. And it ensures your story is more than just a device to strengthen your presentation. But that it’s also an impactful memory that inspires and uplifts your audience.

Begin your talk with a story. No doubt, the topic relates to you, somebody you know or an industry you know, so make it personal. As humans, we are naturally interested in stories of other humans, so whatever it is, consider how you can take the audience on a journey by making them part of the story.

A good speaker will look for ways to make an impact on the audience within the first few minutes of the talk, harnessing the power of storytelling. The most impactful speaking engagements I've had have been those where I've shared empathy, humor and relatable experiences - all through relevant stories. I always choose stories that are authentic, concise, and that align with the overall message I'm delivering, and that will deliver value. The best way to tell a story without rambling, is to structure them with a clear beginning, middle, and end. I also strive to use vivid language and emotions that bring the stories to life, and are memorable. I've even had people relay my stories to me in their own way, so I know they hit home.

Leveraging humor in a talk can be memorable and impactful, but can definitely be a slippery slope. In my experience, humor has worked well to break the ice with a cold/lukewarm audience, as well as providing a good follow up to technical glitches or awkward moments in live events. Once while delivering a talk in front of 500 people, the tech team's laptop froze, including my presentation and all of my content. I was at the point in the deck where I encouraged a room full of keynote speakers on the value of knowing your content and material and always being prepared. It was hilarious, but could have been disastrous if I were not able to infuse humor into the situation and keep moving.

Sometimes, just calling out the obvious or observing something can be humorous. I have a podcast in which I interview people. When I ask a question, sometimes a guest will say “great question” before answering. When they don’t say “great question” after I ask another question, I’ve said “not a great question?” It usually garners a laugh.

I spent over 25 years telling stories for TV and film. Now that expertise has expanded to keynote storytelling and my best piece of advice is "show 'em... Don't just tell 'em" If your story involves, running, then run. If your story involves jumping, then jump If you story involves being scared, then tremble. Take the audience INTO the story, not just have them be bystanders.

Once upon a time, I signed up for a 6-month coaching program. I was going to work with a powerful coach and be in an intimate container with 3 other coaches. Sounds great right? The only problem was I didn't have the money to pay for it. The only thing funny at this stage of life was my money. We found a way to create the money by hosting an in-person conference in Jan. 2022. The way I tell that story from the stage would involve theatrics, pauses, facial expressions, etc. I want to poke fun and self-depreciate a bit so that the audience feels relaxed in a tense situation. Humor disarms people and allows a point to linger. As you read this in your head, put 1 finger in your ear so this point doesn't go in one ear and out the other.

I think this works well if humor comes naturally to you. If it doesn't, or it isn't on brand for you, leave it out. You'll know what feels natural.

Audiences thirst for perspective and relatable moments to be shared with them. Our mindsets and buying behaviors have evolved into relying on reviews, case studies and others WOM experiences. This defense provides guardrails for them to continue with necessary precautionary measures. A good speaker knows how to maximize their anecdotes without boring the audience with long winded stories.

Realistically, gaining knowledge for a skill like presenting is best done practically (actually presenting) rather than theoretically (books, listening to podcasts, etc) because the theory only provides the background information required to build the skills needed. Also, an important observation is often times people are unable to replicate the story/anecdote on stage with the right emphasis as originally experienced making rehearsal and choice of words of that specific part crucial for delivery.

Practice your talk or presentation on your friends and colleagues. If you feel awkward presenting a joke or story, this is a clue that this part isn't right fo you.