The Do’s and Don’ts of Effective Storytelling During a Presentation

Everyone loves a good story. Ever since we were little, stories have been an integral part of our imagination, and for children, their bedtime routine. That’s because stories have a unique way of tapping into our emotions, bringing things to life, and helping us retain information. For presenters, storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used to convey information in a way that is more meaningful and easier to understand. It is a great way to engage with your audience and enhance your message. If you are planning to use this technique in your next presentation, consider the following “do’s and don’ts†for effective storytelling. 

Do’s for Effective Storytelling

Make it Relevant

If you are going to take the time to tell a story, make sure it relates to your topic. The last thing you want is to leave your audience scratching their heads and wondering, “What was that about?†The most effective way to make sure your story relates to the topic is by creating a transitional statement that pivots from your personal experience to a universal lesson for everyone. For example, you may begin by telling your audience a personal story about the first time you went white water rafting. During the orientation you learned that you might get tossed into the river with class 4 or 5 rapids. You were wondering what you got yourself into. After you share your story you pivot with a statement like, “When I coach people through public speaking, it reminds me of that day on the raft when I was scared and outside of my comfort zone, but I remembered that I had a trusted leader to guide me through the rapids.â€Â  The key to a good story is to connect it to your topic in a way that deepens audience engagement and understanding.

Be Clear and Concise

There’s no need to overcomplicate a story with too much detail. Rather, stick to the point and keep the story moving. Otherwise, you risk the audience getting lost along the way. Remember it’s not open mic night. You are there to convey a message so get straight to the point and speak with confidence. 

Tell a True Story

There are different types of stories but the ones that are most effective in presentations are those that are real. The audience much prefers to hear someone’s personal experience than a story in third person. Captivate audience interest by telling a personal story from a past experience or current happening. 

Relive The Story

The best way to get an audience captivated is to make them feel what you felt. They should be able to feel your emotion through the look on your face and the way your voice sounds when you speak. Stories come to life only when you relive them. Include gestures, facial expressions, voice inflection and perhaps even props to emphasize the details of your story. 

Don’ts for Effective Storytelling

Don’t Ramble

Although details are important, you don’t want to get caught up in too many unnecessary details. It can be hard for your audience to follow a story that is overloaded with too much information. Tell simple stories with only the necessary details. A simple story is all you need to capture the attention of an audience. 

Don’t Tell Too Many Stories

Yes, stories are a great way to illustrate your points, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend your entire presentation telling story after story. Remember that your stories need to serve the purpose of your presentation so don’t tell a story just for the sake of telling a story. Sacrifice telling five stories for the sake of telling two really great ones. 

Don’t Get Too Personal

While it’s highly effective to share personal experiences, you always want to be sure the experience isn’t too personal. You don’t want to shock or offend the audience. Avoid sharing details about physical appearance, illness, death, or any other personal details that might be deemed inappropriate. 

Don’t Use Jargon

Always avoid jargon and technical terms in your stories. This will make it easier for your audience to understand and relate to your topic. Know your audience and don’t confuse them with terms they are unfamiliar with.