Tell me a story

After thinking about the sessions I attended at the IABC International Conference in Vancouver this week, it occurs to me that I never want to attend another speech delivered by someone who can’t tell a story. The best speakers were those who shared stories to illustrate, to teach and to persuade. Days later, despite late nights and jet lag, I can remember the specific examples they used, because they painted pictures for us as they brought their material to life. They made us laugh and they forced us to think. Really, their sessions are burnished into our brains. (If I close my eyes and visualize Tod Maffin, for example, I laugh out loud and I REMEMBER what he said.)

Meanwhile, some of the other speakers (you know the ones – they read their PowerPoint slides) have faded from my consciousness. What were their names? What did they talk about? They’re already a dim memory.

Attention speakers: If you want to be remembered, tell me a story,

Comments

[Tom Keefe]

Donna,
I agree with you about the power of storytelling. Reminds me of the time...

Just kidding. Actually, this story is best told live.

I truly enjoyed meeting you at the IABC International Conference, after being an admirer of your blog and podcasts.

Tom

[Ed Lee]

Good point Donna, at the end of the day, we're all in the experience business - whether that's an industry speech or a media relations campaign.

Ed