How to spin a good yarn
- Aug 10, 2017
- 2 min read
This week we learnt about storytelling. This was a great topic for me. Like many people, giving a speech or presentation is not something I am massively comfortable with. However, it seems there are simple tools that we can use. For me, these are as valuable for calming me down as they are for delivering an effective story.
First, we learnt about the 8 point arc of a story: statis, trigger, quest, surprise, critical choice, climax, reversal, resolution. I was amazed how quickly almost any film or book I could think of fell into this panel. It quite astonishing to think that I have seen so many varied films but somehow they almost all follow a formula I wasn't even aware was being used. The reason they all use it? Because it works. It grabs our attention and holds it. It sends us through twists and turns before delivering a final blow. Finally, it leaves us with a sense of resolution - that the story is complete.
Next, we watched a few TED talks around effective speakers. This will be particularly useful in terms of our group oral presentation. I realized through watching the videos provided, and some others on my own, that there are particular techniques that really appeal to me as a listener and that I could see myself using:
"Let me tell you a story" - I love it when presenters include some kind of personal anecdote that explains their journey. The bit that explains why they are standing up in front of you, delivering a presentation.
Self-deprecation - This might be the British part of me, but I find it incredibly reassuring when someone does this. Perhaps is lessons the gap between them, the presenter/expert, and you, the listener/novice.
Rhetorical questions - I love the use of questions at the start of a section as illustrate what will be talked about next. It also demonstrates an understand of what you might be thinking. Particularly if I am slightly skeptical about a claim. A question like "I expect you're thinking 'what difference will this make'...well..."
Here are some my favorite TED talks:
What makes a presentation appeal to you?
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