Make The Most of Examples and Stories

Examples and stories can bring your presentations alive. They can transform a dull, dry subject into something which is interesting and alive. When presenters give examples, it helps explain what they are saying in a way that the audience can understand. Examples make the material you deliver less 'information' or and more 'entertainment'.

If you can give your examples in the form of stories, you will be using a format that everyone can understand. We were all brought up on stories and some of the greatest influencers in history gave their messages as stories ? remember Aesop and his fables!

So, to make the most of the examples you could use you need to have a strategy to include them in all of your talks. There are several ways you can do this. For instance, for each of your main points try to think of at least one example that backs up what you are saying. You may not use each example, but you should have them in mind so you can introduce them if necessary. Keep a list of these examples handy, so that when you put your final presentation together you can choose the most interesting and relevant ones.

Make your examples include human beings, preferably real people. Examples that include people are much more powerful than abstract examples. If your examples include you in them, they will be much more attractive to the audience. Research shows us that audiences expect speakers to talk about their own experiences and find it immensely valuable.

Try to paint vivid pictures in the mind of your audience with your examples. If your audience can mentally see what you are describing they are much more likely to remember it. Psychologists have demonstrated that much of our thinking is visually-based. Hence, if you talk in word pictures you will make it easy for your audience to understand what you are saying.

Make your examples relevant to the audience. Find out in advance the kind of examples that are likely to interest them; do some audience research to help boost your examples.

Choose examples that are current. Do not use examples from the distant past as they have less impact than examples set in the present.

Always announce your examples with words like 'here's a story that shows what I mean'. Announcements like this will alert your audience to pay close attention.

Wherever possible make your examples light or humorous. Avoid being serious or stuffy with your examples. Tell your stories in the same way as you would in a social situation, such as a dinner party or in a bar. The more natural they sound, the greater their impact.

Always be on the lookout for new examples and stories that can back up your points. The more examples you have 'in stock' the more you will be able to choose one relevant to a particular audience.

Graham Jones runs The Presentation Business, http://www.presentationbiz.com

---

Getting on the Speakers List

How do you get your name on a speakers list?Speaking... Read More

Speaking Body Language

I observed an almost surreal event when I was a... Read More

How to Get Paid to Speak

Now that you have all the contacts you can possibly... Read More

For Speaking Ease, Forgive Your Younger Self

I love the Disney movie The Kid with Bruce Willis.... Read More

Conquer Presentation Anxiety: Olympic Athletes Show Us How

Whether going for the gold or giving a presentation, the... Read More

How to Gracefully Leave After a Seminar or Speech When Someone is Hogging Your Time!

Meeting planners know the value of meticulous planning. They are... Read More

10 Worst Tips To Give A Speaker

1. Learn the speech by heart or read it from... Read More

Speak to Be Heard and Understood

Use your voice to your advantage. One of your main... Read More

How VALUABLE is Your Speaking Topic?

What information can be used immediately by the audience and... Read More

Speaking One-to-One

Speaking to an individual is different from the group experience.... Read More

Let Your Products Sell Your Name: For Public Speakers

Wouldn't it be great if you didn't have to be... Read More

Getting Yourself Known

What are the 5 best ways of getting known in... Read More

15 Ways for Speakers to Earn More Profits

There is huge potential to create additional profits from your... Read More

How to Use Public Speaking to Attract Clients

When Robert Middleton moved his marketing consulting practice, Action Plan... Read More

How to Promote yourself as a Speaker on the Web

Why use the web for promoting your speaking engagements?Most people... Read More

If You Arent a Little Nervous, You Arent Paying Attention

The fear of public speaking is one of the most... Read More

Top 7 Tips for Speakers

Public Speaking is the number one way to advance your... Read More

Pay Attention To Your Appearance!

During the coffee break of one conference I attended, whispers... Read More

Dont Judge an Audience by its Stare

Don't Prejudge A Situation: In the areas of emotions and... Read More

What is YOUR Speaking Expertise?

Why do you have to be an expert when getting... Read More

Ten Fatal Flaws Frequently Found from the Podium

1. No clear purpose for the presentation. What is the... Read More

The Top Four Ways To Get Audience Involvement In A Presentation

In the thousands of speeches I've heard very few presenters... Read More

What is Public Speaking?

When we talk about public speaking, we usually think about... Read More

Performance Feedback: Why Were Scared and How Not to Be

Effective communication is not a one-way street. It involves an... Read More

7 Sure Fire Ways To Overcome Stage Fright When Speaking Or Performing

Prayer or Meditation: If you're a believer you can pray... Read More

Speak With a Relaxed Body and Mind

Fear of public speaking is No.1. Death is No.4. So... Read More

Start Conversations as Easily as You Start a Car

Starting a car is easy. Put the key in, turn... Read More

13 Publicity Tips for Professional Speakers

In a funk because other speakers seem to be snagging... Read More

How to Write and Deliver an Outstanding Speech - Using the PEPP Talk Forumla

I learned my craft as a speaker a long time... Read More

The Ten Ps of Dealing with Questions

Presenters and those making speeches will frequently be faced with... Read More

How to Give a Speech Without Dying

Two of the top fears of most people are dying... Read More

Trust in Training: Societys Effect on an Audience

It is important to be continually aware that a person... Read More

How to Present Your Proposal at an Executive Meeting

What's the worst reaction you've ever gotten when you made... Read More