Today, let’s cut through the noise and get straight to the heart of how you can transform your impromptu speaking with storytelling. And not just any storytelling—I’m talking about crafting stories that pack a punch and leave your audience hanging on every word. Let’s dive in.
Simplified Storytelling
I’ve seen a lot of complex theories on how to build stories, like Tamsen Webster’s Find the Red Thread. While these are great, I’ve simplified her approach to focus more on what I call the “Old World to New World” transformation. This is about moving your audience from their current reality to a vividly imagined potential future.
Understanding the Old and New Worlds
Here’s how I break it down:
The Old World (Goal and Problem)
Think of this as the starting point of your story. This is where your audience is right now—stuck, frustrated, or maybe just unaware of what they could achieve. Here, you lay out the issues they face, the struggles that are all too real for them.
I do encourage you to understand your audience before you speak. But it is not that difficult. There is an audience you already know.
When we deliver speeches, most of us are talking to our old selves. I know how my old self think and feel. And most of the members of my audience are like my old self.
You are the mentor you wished you had.
You speak not because you are perfect. You speak cause like your audience you are flawed. You made mistakes. And you are offering your audience opportunities to learn from your experiences.1
The New World (Change and Action)
Now, this is the destination. You’re showing your audience what could be. It’s about painting a picture so irresistible that they can’t help but want to move towards it. Your story must showcase this shift vividly, stirring motivation and inspiration.
The New World is your offer to your audience. This is the Promised Land.
If you’ve been involved in Multi-Level Marketing, you will find speakers who make themselves your New World. They’ll tell you how much money they are earning, their properties, and toys.
They are inviting you to be where they are today. So the “New World” is not something that will happen in the future. It is already happening to them. Your future is where they are today.
You can also make them see where you are today. Perhaps, the old you is a stressed human being. Today, you are a happy and productive business owners. And your message will contain the Truth that will set you free.
The Truth as Your Guide
Instead of dropping a single “Aha!” moment, I thread the truth throughout the story. It’s not just a backdrop; it’s the backbone of your narrative, consistently guiding your audience to a meaningful and transformative conclusion. While you might touch on several messages, the core truth should underline the mindset and actions you’re advocating for.
Linking Worlds Through Storytelling
Every effective story is essentially a bridge. It connects the familiar (Old World) to the desired (New World). It’s not merely about shifting points; it’s about making your audience feel and see the journey from where they are now to where they could be.
Immerse your audience.
To truly hook your audience, bring in the big guns—vocal variety, gestures, visuals, and facial expressions. This doesn’t just add color to your narrative; it makes the entire storytelling experience more immersive and impactful.
Example: Stress Management Talk
Let’s say you’re giving a talk on managing stress. Start by describing the overwhelming feelings of your own experiences in the Old World. Then, chart the course to the New World by detailing the strategies that worked for you, like mindfulness or time management. Personalizing the story makes the path to managing stress more tangible and achievable for your audience.
The Bottom Line
Remember, your stories are not just about you; they’re about resonating with every listener. They are about guiding them through a transformative journey. Master this art, and you’ll find that public speaking becomes less about fear and more about power—the power to engage and inspire.
What’s Coming Up Next?
In our next article, we’ll dive into handling Q&A sessions effectively. This isn’t just about answering questions; it’s about turning potential challenges into opportunities for deeper connection and understanding.
Challenge for You
Here’s a fun exercise for you: Craft a story using the Old World and New World framework. Try it out at your next public speaking gig or even in a casual setting with friends. Watch the reactions, gauge the engagement, and feel the impact of your words.
Keep weaving those new worlds, my friend, and watch as the magic unfolds not just in your stories, but in the very art of speaking itself.
- I also realized that not every speaker is an evolved human being. It is very possible that we are still in the same situation as our audiences. But we have learned something and we want to try it with them. Many teachers do this when they teach us what the text book says. ↩︎
