Storytelling and the Three Question Rule

Chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in heaven - although we also prefer tomato and basil. Presentations also have two elements that make them stand out - stories and a simple statement. Think about it. When the stories back up the simple statement (our main point), we leave our audience with a message to remember and retain. Any talk that leaves the audience wanting more will follow this basic tenet. Next time we have to do a talk for a convention, this simple rule can really elevate our talk.

Here are two examples, both of which are under 15 minutes! Next time, grab a meal, sit down, and start watching.

Lesson 1: Start strong. Within the first minute, Elizabeth Lindsey has set the mood that we're about to hear the extraordinary, and the talk only gets better and better. Notice how she does NOT start out by saying, "Today, I will discuss the wisdom of the elders." She starts off in an unexpected way.

Lesson 2: Interest is infectious. As the talk progresses, Ms. Lindsey engages us with vivid imagery and colorful descriptions. Perhaps our vocabulary may not be as rich or decorated as hers, but if we can convey our interest and enthusiasm through a prasang, we too can engage the audience. Your experience will become their experience.

Lesson 3: Repeat the message. Notice again how Ms. Lindsey weaves her message of preserving the wisdom of elders through multiple stories. She reiterates the same message over and over (boring) but with different stories (exciting). She guides the audience to her idea, and we too as presenters/speakers must guide our audience to our idea.

Lesson 1: Start strong. Within the first minute, Courtney Martin has involved us in her childhood and has set the stage for what's to come. Notice again how she does NOT start out by saying, "Today, I will discuss what I have learned." She starts off in an unexpected way.

Lesson 2: Interest is infectious. As the talk progresses, Ms. Martin uses humor and enthusiasm to keep us connected to her presentation. Again, maybe humor proves hard for us on stage, but if we can convey our interest and enthusiasm through a prasang, we too can engage the audience. Her experience became our experience.

Lesson 3: Repeat the message. Ok, curveball - she has three messages? Not quite. Her message is about understanding these paradoxes as a part of reinventing feminism, but it's not just paradox 1, paradox 2, paradox 3.

When creating a presentation, ask yourself these questions:

1. What is my simple message?

2. Which stories will I use to drive this message home?

3. How can I grab the attention of the audience?

We have spoken with many people who are working on talks, who say they are "pretty much done" with their talk, yet they cannot answer the three questions above. However, when they take a step back and answer these questions, their face changes when they practice their talk. They are more confident and focused - even more relaxed.

Giving a talk in sabha? In the Women's Convention? At your local shishu or bal/balika mandal?

Try the three question rule, and see how it can help.