What is storytelling?
Storytelling is an activity of conveying a message, an information, an idea to your audience. It is an art of effectively delivering that message to any type of audience.
Why do you need to learn the art of storytelling?
In the world of personal selling, direct selling, network marketing and many types of marketing jobs, one of the best strategies to get a sale is by becoming relatable. If you cannot connect to your client, selling is tough for you! Storytelling makes the presentation more interesting and natural rather than appearing as just another sales pitch.
In this guide, we hope to give you some of the steps to effectively get your client's attention and end the presentation with a YES.
Step by Step Guide to Effective Selling
1. Who Am I Speaking With/To?
The most important person in the room is not you but your audience. So the best move begins from knowing your audience.You need to be able to identify their interests, their personality, the phrases they love or hate to hear, their situations and some other details about them.
You do not need to be too detailed but at least you have some of the important details to show that you care about them, that you know what you are talking about and to position yourself as an expert that they can trust.
2. What is My Purpose of Talking?
Exactly! You are speaking for a purpose. Are you speaking to educate? to entertain? to challenge? to motivate? or to just talk?The value of the speaker is measured not by the length of his/her delivery but through his impact after that delivery.
If you are someone selling a product/service, remember that your primary goal in presenting is not only to make a sale but to help your audience identify a problem that leads to buying the solution - which is your product.
If you are someone sharing a new idea, remember to highlight how can that idea give them the benefits?
3. What is in my Timeline?
From point A to point C, there is point B.You have to practice your story-line;
a. What's in your opening?
b. How will you transition from that opening to the heart of your presentation?
c. Then how will you close your presentation? What is your call of action?
You are the speaker, I know that your audience is the most important crowd in the room but without you, they will be lost!
You control the story. Own it, they are listening.
There is no art in a story that is not properly streamlined.
Good tips to remember;
- Don't jump
- Don't mix your ideas and only use stories that you prepared.
- Speak what you can speak comfortably.
- Engage your audience by asking questions.
- Do not use offensive language or jokes.
4. What is My Style?
This is another reason why you need to know your audience so you can personalize your presentation style accordingly.Are you going to be very serious or more relax? Will you be presenting yourself as a fun speaker or logical speaker?
Exaggerate it if you need to. Express yourself if you want to. It's your style but consider the response of your audience.
You are responsible in driving the energy of your crowd.
The more natural your style will be, the more confident they will be to act on your call to action.
5. Will they Remember Me?
In the storytelling process, we are developing that emotional attachment. If you can connect with them and end your presentation with that connection that is an indicator that you are learning the art of storytelling.First impression lasts.
When you come prepared, you will end as expected.
They will remember a story that they can relate. The story that makes them feel good.
What do you think about these steps? Do you think they are relevant? Are we missing something? We would love to see your thoughts below.