Top Tips On Storytelling From A Business Motivational Speaker

As an experienced business motivational speaker, I have seen the viewpoint-changing power of a well-told story many times. Virtually everyone reading this article (at least in the USA) will be familiar with the following story. After weighing in a 425 pounds, Jared Fogle decided to go on a ‘Subway Diet’. And, over a period of time, dropped to 180 pounds. An amazing feat!

And just as amazing was the response by Subway’s market. On January 1st 2000, Subway introduced Jared in a regional advertising campaign. On January 3rd, the media mogul Opera Winfrey telephoned, wanting to interview Jared. And, over the next two years, Subway profits leapt a massive 34 percent! Wow!

As all business motivational speakers know – like in the impressive Subway ad – the right story (told at the right time) can produce outstanding results. And that’s why it’s worth telling stories in a corporate presentation. And so, as you look for suitable stories to motivate and inspire your audience, here are three tips to keep in mind.

Get Clarity Around The Goal Of Your Speech

Has your speech been written to inspire your team to greater effort? Or will your speech present the compelling benefits of your new product? A business motivational speaker knows the goal of his speech. As a result, suitable stories easily come to mind.

Fact is, industry speakers rarely have this kind of clarity around their business presentations. And one of the ways an inexperienced speaker can tell that he or she lacks clarity around a topic is that relevant stories are tough to find. However, once you’re totally clear on the issue you want to address, you’ll find stories pop-up everywhere you look. Very Important Point: Don’t forget to write down the story as soon as you find it. Otherwise, I swear, you’ll forget it.

Professional Motivational Business Speakers Make Someone Else The Star

Fact: In a business setting, most audiences don’t care about you at all. And so, if all your stories revolve around you, don’t expect your audience to be inspired and motivated. However, make your story about them and they will love you for it.

One final (and important) point: inspirational stories don’t have to be long-winded. A brief story is often more than enough to present your argument. When you have total clarity around the goal of your speech, a short (less than ten sentences) story is often more than enough to get your point across.

If you follow these simple pieces of advice your stories will make you sound like a true business motivational speaker. I wish you well.