The presentation Zen of storytelling, with Ira Glass

Garr Reynolds of Presentation Zen yesterday posted an article about storytelling featuring commentary and video (shown above) from This American Life presenter Ira Glass. If you're not up for watching the YouTube video, Garr kindly summarizes the major points Ira makes in his article.

Anyone who has been drawn into an episode of Ira Glass's This American Life or Garrison Kieler's Prarie Home Companion intuitively knows the power of stories. The question to ask is, when were you similarly drawn into a presentation or event at work?

I believe too many businesses shy away from telling stories, despite the fact that they are one of the most compelling ways to convey a message. Blackfriars thinks storytelling should be at the center of any good presentation, screenplay, or influencing conversation. It's also one of the SUCCES criteria for ideas that are Made to Stick as described in the book of that name.

So next time you are thinking about presenting an idea to a group, read over the points in Garr's article and consider whether you can get your point across with a story and a reflection on its message. Then ask your audience whether they thought your presentation worked. The ending to your story may surprise you.

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