Every great presentation is fundamentally a story. At the age of 60, Diana Nyad embarked on open water training for a 60-hour, 103-mile (166 km) swim from Cuba to Florida—a challenge she had failed to complete thirty years earlier.
After 29 hours in the water, strong currents pushed her off course, forcing her to abandon her dream for the second time. In October 2011, Nyad recounts her adventure and the dangers she faced during her swim, including encounters with some of the world’s most dangerous jellyfish.
The Strength of Storytelling
It’s not just the story itself; it’s the way Nyad tells it. Having the most interesting content won’t mean much if you can’t bring it to life when delivering it. The best presentations captivate audiences from the start.
Diana Nyad’s TED Talk opens with her sharing personal reflections. She describes her feelings of existential angst at turning 60 and her regrets about lost time. Her candid approach creates an immediate connection with the audience.
She uses descriptive, powerful language to articulate her experiences, such as:
“Tarzan was a sight to see, this porcelain Adonis, this white liberator who could swing from tree to tree…”
Creating a Lasting Impact
Nyad’s storytelling engages her audience, and she demonstrates the importance of authenticity in presentations. By animating and reliving her experiences, she allows the audience to share in her journey, moving them beyond mere observation.
Her conclusion is equally impactful, as she invites her audience to reflect on their own lives. Instead of concluding with a typical ending, she shares a powerful quote from poet Mary Oliver:
“So what is it, what is it you’re doing with this one wild and precious life of yours?”
The Power of Connection
Whether your presentation is data-rich or subject-focused, telling a story can help animate your message and connect with your audience. It’s essential to interrupt their thought patterns, appealing to the deeper parts of their brain where emotion and memory intertwine.
Consider sharing stories about:
– Unusual experiences you’ve had
– Moments that changed a customer’s life
– Lessons learned from past failures or recent successes
These narratives should be meaningful and relevant, containing insights or morals that resonate with your audience.
In closing, reframe the quote from Diana Nyad:
“So what is it, what is it you’re doing with this one wild and precious presentation of yours?”
Engage your audience by telling them a story!
If you thought the first story was amazing, I urge you to listen to this one too
Tell them a story!
If you need help crafting your story:
– Book yourself onto a powerful public speaking course.
– Invest in some really good one to one public speaking coaching.
– Get yourself some excellent presentation training
Image courtesy of: Flickr.com
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