In the present day , high tech world, mostly we neglect this simple tool.... a story or a tale or a fable or anything that helps to connect with the people..... But many successful people are using and have understood the value of story.
This tool is simple to use but gives very powerful results in business. But it is used lesser than the complicated analysis charts, presentations, esoteric statistical measures and the like. Once upon a time I was using complex models/ concepts, number spinning /crunching slides profusely, considering them as the hall mark of professionalism. Often I felt inside me that I am doing so, to my own gratification than making some value to the audience. In such presentations, I found audience quickly switch to their own private / social worlds. But this practice is long abandoned by me and now I use more animated stuff than the techie ones. The results are amazing.
Now my presentations are going good for short speech or for hours without any disconnect with the audience. The secret is story telling.....
Recently, I was invited to present my services to a set of stakeholders of a cluster development project. I was alloted the slot just before the lunch break and I have only 30 mins to make the pitch. But the persons before me have used more time than the quota alloted to them and we are at least 25 minutes beyond the scheduled lunch. I could see the Organizers are a bit embarassed, audience often looking at their watches to check whether the time neared the lunch break, they feigned polite interest in the topic presented and when I was introduced, there was a look of "Oh yet another one" on their face. Quickly sensing this, I kept aside the structured presentation and I told about my services using 3 metaphors - RDX (Research and Development explosives), Pick pocketing / looting and the DNA. It took me hardly ten minutes to convey my matter, but these metaphors took a fair share of the luncheon conversations. Some of the participants still call and remember me with reference to the metaphors.
Of course i have not mastered it but began to use it productively.... looking forward to learn more.....
Mr. Puneet Bhatnagar of Pune, offers a workshop on "story telling " He considers himself to be a born story teller. for further details of him you may visit www.thecreativitymission.com
looking forward for a chance to attend his workshop.
Story is very valuable!
A Story ...
.... makes a serious, confusing and threatening topic into a interesting and approachable one
.... stimulates thought
.... makes the content and experience memorable
.... teaches durable lessons
.... inspires and motivates anyone: children, youth, men-women, educated - uneducated, old...all people
wish you all to be story tellers!
contributed by Sasikanth R Prabhu
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