Why storytelling matters | Garr Reynolds | TEDxKyoto

Summary

In this insightful talk, the speaker shares ten impactful strategies for crafting compelling presentations, drawing on storytelling techniques and lessons from the past. Emphasizing the importance of audience engagement, a solid structure, and a clear message, the speaker illustrates how to captivate an audience through empathy, drama, and authenticity. From the power of a strong hook to the necessity of showcasing change, the presentation is a masterclass in effective communication.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Storytelling is a fundamental human element and should be integrated into presentations for better engagement.
• 🎨 Visual communication, like 'kamishibai', is crucial for presentations and can be learned from historical methods.
• 📱 Turn off technology during the preparation stage to focus on the core ideas and concepts of the presentation.
• 👥 Audience-centric presentations are more impactful; make the audience care about your story by making it relatable.
• 🏗️ A solid structure is essential for presentations, akin to the architectural structure of a story, which is invisible yet foundational.
• 🎯 Having a clear theme or message ensures that the audience understands the point of the presentation.
• ✂️ Remove nonessential elements to keep the presentation focused and avoid diluting the main message.
• 🔗 Hook the audience early with a compelling start to establish an immediate connection and maintain attention.
• 🚧 Show a clear conflict or struggle within the presentation to create a narrative that resonates with the audience.
• 🌱 Demonstrate a clear change or transformation to highlight the impact or outcome effectively.
• 🎁 Doing something unexpected can make an idea more memorable and impactful.
• 💖 Make the audience feel something by combining data with emotional storytelling to create lasting impressions.
• 👤 Authenticity in presentations is achieved through vulnerability, which encourages genuine connection with the audience.

Q & A

What is the speaker's primary occupation?

The speaker travels around the world helping people improve their presentations, particularly in business settings such as pitches and idea sharing.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of storytelling in presentations?

Storytelling is a fundamental human trait that helps engage audiences and makes presentations more relatable and impactful. It is part of our DNA and has been used for communication long before written language.

What is 'kamishibai' and how does it relate to presentations?

'Kamishibai' is a visual storytelling method that dates back to the 1920s and 1930s. It involves a storyteller, visual elements, and an engaged audience, which the speaker suggests is a model for effective presentations today.

What advice does the speaker give for the preparation stage of a presentation?

The speaker advises turning off technology such as computers and smartphones during the preparation stage. He recommends using paper and whiteboards to get ideas down before incorporating technology like multimedia.

Why is the audience considered first in a presentation?

The audience is considered first because the speaker believes that the presenter's story should be relatable to the audience. The theme of the presentation should be universal so that the audience can connect emotionally, intellectually, and aesthetically.

What is the significance of having a solid structure in a presentation?

A solid structure provides a clear framework for the presentation, making it easier for the audience to follow and understand. It includes a beginning (exposition), middle (conflict), and end (resolution), which helps in conveying the message effectively.

How does the speaker suggest using the 'ideal world versus actual world' model in presentations?

The speaker suggests using this model to identify the problem in the actual world and then presenting the solution that the presenter or their product offers. This helps in clearly communicating the value proposition.

What is the importance of having a clear theme or message in a presentation?

A clear theme or message ensures that the audience understands the main point of the presentation. It helps in focusing the content and making it more memorable for the audience.

Why is it important to remove the nonessential elements in a presentation?

Removing nonessential elements helps in maintaining focus on the core message and avoids confusing the audience. It follows the principle of Chekhov's gun, where every element included should have a purpose and contribute to the story.

How does the speaker suggest hooking the audience early in a presentation?

The speaker suggests starting the presentation with a strong opening line or statement that immediately captures the audience's attention. This helps in establishing a connection and setting the tone for the rest of the presentation.

What is the role of showing a clear conflict in a presentation?

Showing a clear conflict helps in creating a narrative that the audience can follow and engage with. It involves presenting a problem or obstacle and then demonstrating how it can be overcome, which is a fundamental element of storytelling.

Why is demonstrating a clear change important in a presentation?

Demonstrating a clear change helps in visually and emotionally showing the impact of the solution or idea being presented. It can be done through before-and-after comparisons, which are effective in conveying the transformation.

How can doing something unexpected enhance a presentation?

Doing something unexpected can make the presentation more memorable and engaging. It creates a surprise element that captures the audience's attention and makes the presentation stand out.

What is the final piece of advice the speaker gives for making a presentation impactful?

The speaker advises being authentic, which involves being vulnerable and taking risks. Authenticity helps in connecting with the audience on a deeper level and making the presentation more compelling.