Reflection – Storytelling tool

Challenge –

The challenge being the initiation and initial struggle to bring people in the same flow of thought. If I  could I would choose visualising tool along with storytelling as it makes a huge impact on the crowd.  This is due to visual and mindful wordplay which in turn stimulates and grasps the attention of the  soon to be  distracted crowd.

Selection-

I chose story telling as my main tool as I feel like I am well versed in it. Not only can i do a pretty  decent job if I explain words in the form of a story but gain the attention of my listeners as well.  Another reason I selected this tool is because of its power to attract people, bring their  understanding and relativity of the topic under one common headspace. Every great product, every  great service, every great institution has a story behind it. Every great brand has a story and that  story connects to the emotions, the characters, the values of the people that, that live that product  every day. It's just recently we’ve been considering it as a tool that leaders can use as opposed to  just an aid in our brand's and the products that we give to people.

Application-

The process begins when I am usually alone. I don’t prefer doing this on spot as I may lose the crowd   if I make a mistake. I must start by keeping all the important points of the story telling tool as you go  ahead . First of all knowing your audience- what does your audience need? They want a little bit of  data. They want hard facts, they want your recommendations and a point of view as reference. The  space in between that and how you get to those things, that's where storytelling can be compelling.  By applying this to a business mind sets makes alot of difference from the different perceivable  points of view, which in turn helps with the marketing of  the business along with creating  a possible  better quality product for the market or the company.

After I have prepared my basic points and synchronised them into order I will then begin by  introducing them (impatient audience)to the premise of the talk in an interactive and not making it  seem like a story but telling it like one. Start them off by making them question something regarding  the topic which has a major relevance and something they cant quite figure out which is why they’ll  be back for more. As I proceed I must take into consideration the points required and the questioned  to be answered, just as it was said by Andre Martin “I think the second part of a good story is a clear  sequence of events. You listen to a great story teller, there's a very clear sequence of events that  moves the story from the beginning to an end. And I think last but not least is having moments of  reflection. Questions that remain unanswered, that build suspense that build intrigue, and that have  someone sitting on the edge of their seat. To have you answer them. The great storyteller asks and  answers questions along the way. They build suspense, and they reduce that suspense by answering  this, the questions. Storytellers that aren't so good leave those questions hanging, in the air, and so  people walk out confused, unsure, uncertain about the direction to take from there.”

Insight-

I have used this tool of storytelling a couple of times. And to be honest I must say that the tool was  much more effective with a little visualisation and pre planned presentation. Storytelling requires a  lot of information regarding the topic discussed, to ensure the flow of the story doesn’t break,  confusion dosent occur within the crowd etc.

Approach-

After using this tool multiple times I have come to the conclusion that I must be prepare before hand  to avoid mistakes when the crowd starts questioning me regarding the lecture. This happens rarely  as most people lose interest as they go ahead and I fail to lure them for long enough. However the  ones who do pay attention I get through to very quickly and efficiently. I can fell the passion in some  peoples words and expressions which makes me feel great. I would also try to work on knowing the  crowd, right from their view preferences on the topic, to the idea behind the reason of them being  there.

