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STAGE TIME: “It’s Not Pointless… It’s Plentiful”
By Darren | February 24, 2010
Have you ever had a funny little “thing” happen, and your first thought was, “That could be a good little story!” So, you add it to your story file… and then you never end up doing anything with it!
In last week’s issue of Stage Time, I talked about stories. Stories are the “life blood” of our speeches. The important part of the story for presenters is the point. We use stories to make our points (lessons) more memorable. But what if you’re not sure what the point is? Perfect! Just because you don’t know what your point is, does not mean it’s pointless.
Most stories make multiple points. I use my “Stitches” story in all four of my keynotes, making different points. Often the points are plentiful, but you’re just looking through the wrong eyes, your own!
Look through the eyes of the audience. Ask them. Sometime we think of the point first, and find a good story to anchor it. Other times, we have the story and search for the point. Can you tell - in my speeches - which came first in the creation process? Honestly, I can’t even remember! It doesn’t matter. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? It doesn’t matter! Cook the chicken, or fry the egg, then feed your audience.
I’ve often been surprised when I told a story at my Toastmasters club and solicited feedback from the audience as to what they think the point could be. Most of the time, their ideas were ten times better than I could ever think of! Jay Leno has a team of writers - why not you? You are the producer of the “end result.”
Next week, friend and fellow World Champion, Craig Valentine will be soliciting feedback on new stories at our EDGEnet Members-Only Summit. I’m excited for Craig, and even more excited for our Champions’ EDGE members who will witness the power of the process.
When you do this, don’t give the audience ANY idea what you think the point would be.
Just do two simple things.
#1) Ask: What points do you think this story could make?
#2) Shut up and listen!
Sometimes we are too close. Mark Brown, when coaching me on my winning speech, helped me take a 4-minute story and bring it down to it’s true essence of thirty seconds.
In our Secrets of Storytelling Champ Camp, it’s so exciting to see participants listen to the audience’s perspectives on their stories. Last week when I was coaching Barbara, I was so delighted to show her what her personal story was really about. She had the story, but the point was more powerful than she originally thought.
Often, the audience knows better than you. They are the people we’re trying to impact. Listen to the impact your story already has at the core. Some stories are three minutes, some may be 30 seconds.
Your stories are not pointless, they are plentiful. Will you ask for help finding the powerful points of your so-called, pointless stories?
Topics: Stage Time Comments |
February 25th, 2010 at 8:14 am
“Cook the chicken or fry the egg, and then feed your audience” Superb!
Thank you again for an insightful and learning experience that I can use in my presentations.
Warm regards,
Patricia Cotton
February 25th, 2010 at 5:19 pm
Great! I got the point, a single story can be used on so many occasions to make a different point.
I like the idea of asking for example a toast masters group for their perspective on the story, “what is the point”? I will try this technique
Great and useful information
Rosyb