ATD Blog
Mon Apr 30 2012
Storytelling is a powerful communication method that allows you to make your presentations and training more compelling and coaching more effective. Here are four instances where using stories can be particularly effective.
New-hire orientation: Share stories about what you do as an organization that make a difference in the world for both your customers and community.
Starting a presentation: Grab your audience’s interest right away by sharing a story about how knowing the material your presentation covers made a difference to someone with whom you worked.
Teaching abstract concepts: Use analogies from common everyday life and from your learner’s unique perspective.
Coaching: Use a story to help you challenge limiting beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes. Because you are demonstrating the concept through “just a story,” you often encounter less defensiveness and resistance.
These tips were adapted from the May 2012 Infoline by David Lee, “Using Stories to Enhance Learning,” available at the ASTD Store.
\*\*UPDATE: David Lee presents a free webcast on using storytelling for enhanced learning experiences. The live event takes place June 20, 2012, and will be recorded for on-demand playback.
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