Rob Harmon @ TED
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“Tell a Story” has become a mantra in the business of Public Speaking education and it’s good advice. In this TED Presentation, Rob Harmon does tell a story, a really good story, and although it involves him, it’s not about him. There is a trend today, advising Public Speakers to tell Stories. Stories Sell! Stories win over the Hearts-n-Minds of the audience. And if the Story is personal, revealing a weakness, or a mistake you made, all the better. Why is that?…
Because, the thinking goes, you’ll project yourself as “Real” and Vulnerable, and this might generate good will for both You and your Cause, Project, or Product. Yes, it might, but your Story might simply generate feelings of Sympathy for You which is not the same as Support for your Cause. Lately, the bit of advice “Tell a Story” has become so very common around the internet that it’s beginning to sound trite, and that’s unfortunate. Let’s revisit that advice using a good example as a guide.
In this Presentation, Rob Harmon succeeds in generating feelings of Support from & Engagement with the audience, in a very effective way. I recommend you take a moment to see how a well designed & delivered Presentation, not about You the Speaker, can in the end generate Support & Goodwill from the audience.
Now, Can Personal Stories be used effectively? Of course. There’s a time & place to incorporate Personal Stories into your Speech or Presentation and we looked at that in Show# 16. Use Personal Stories judiciously, there is a difference between the audience liking You and supporting your Goal. Ask yourself: What do you want to achieve with this Presentation?
Enjoy. Speak. Make a Difference.
