Have you ever started a speech and noticed people looking at their phones instead of listening? That can feel frustrating since you prepared your ideas and practiced many times. Then, people slowly stop paying attention. So, what can you do? Tell them a story.
Why Do People Like Stories?
People like stories because they are easy to follow. For example, think about a manager talking about teamwork. The manager can give many instructions about working together. However, he can also tell a story about a team that had a problem and solved it together. Which lesson would you remember? Most people would remember the story because they can follow what happened.
This is why storytelling can make a speech more interesting. Instead of giving your audience many facts, you give them a story that helps explain your main idea.
Your Story Does Not Need To Be Big
Some speakers think their stories must be funny or exciting. That is not always true. A simple story can make your speech better when it has a clear lesson.
You could talk about a mistake made at work. You could also talk about a difficult customer or a problem your team solved. What matters most is the lesson.
In Kenya, many workers speak to teams, customers, students, and business partners. In many cases, people may listen to several speakers in one day. A simple story can help your message stay in their minds.
Keep Your Story Simple
You do not need to tell every small detail. Too many details can make your audience lose interest. Start by telling people about the problem. Then explain what happened and what you learned.
For example, a salesperson could say, “A customer rejected our offer three times. Instead of giving up, the team asked what the customer needed. We changed the offer and made the sale.” That simple story teaches an important lesson about listening and staying patient.
Give Your Story A Reason
Do not add stories to your speech just because they sound nice. Every story should help explain your main idea.
Before telling a story, ask yourself, what should people learn from this story? Once you know the answer, choosing the right story becomes easier.
So, when preparing your next speech, do not only think about what you want to say. Think about the story that can help people understand your message.
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