Do you have a reliable tip or resource that regularly gets you out of a bind??
In that spirit, there’s a favorite tip coming to mind now for telling stories. It’s a perception tool I’m fond of when selecting speech content and stories in general. It helps to weed out irrelevant and overly complex anecdotes too (…trying to amp up suspense here). And it’s most useful when that frustrating mental moment arrives i.e. ‘all-my-stories-and-examples-sound-ridiculous’ when organizing for a talk coming up. You know that type of frustration?!
With all this prefacing in mind (thanks for the patience), a favorite fall-back storytelling tip is:
>>>To select the simple, scenic moments vs to think in epic terms.<<<
Why?
Often when selecting content for a speech, especially the storytelling pieces, it’s easy to get bogged down in that is-it-compelling-and-epic-enough brain trap. This line of thinking often stifles logical or creative decisiveness for what can clearly guide the audience. Many fantastic speakers with strong, teachable ideas suffer greatly during speech prep for this reason (happens a lot in my own prep work).
‘What if my story isn’t grandiose enough?!’
Please let go of that mental query, and consider storytelling in a different light.
Thinking in scenic vs epic or grandiose terms helps loosen the strangle hold on the storytelling brain, and hastens clarity of mind. Observing stories in bite-size scenic slices can make intended meaning more accessible for audience and speaker alike.
Examples:
Dialogue
— can a relevant conversation from your world be relayed, outlining an important decision which many audience members have confronted?
Awkwardness
— what is a teachable moment in your experience which defines meaning, in one simple paragraph for the audience even if it puts you in a vulnerable light? A quirky example: “So during my presentation, I had to run out to use the restroom while 50 top executives sat there waiting… Upon return, the only thing I could think of was to laugh and say: ‘Well thanks for your patience. And that’s exactly what we need to change design process in our company for the long term.”
— can one single data point create a simple storytelling scene, which you then base your persuasive argument?
Contrast
— can one direct question be asked, shaping a micro story for the audience which they can identify with immediately? An example: “What does it take to keep our children safe, especially when city budget cuts will reduce police forces by 20%?”
Often it is the simple, tightly-shaped scenes that define and crystalize meaning. Epic storytelling has its place in the world of audience connection too. But often, the goal to be epic strangles the speaker’s mental processing and obscures clarity of mind. How can meaning directly reach and serve the audience? For this reason, it’s worth dissecting our storytelling archives for the most direct and teachable scenes in order to relate.
A 100 second video story for kicks: international friendship
My goal this year is to practice the simple pleasures of storytelling more. Sharing 100 second video story clips about architecture is my favorite way to dive into this goal. On that note, have you heard or read about the term ‘international friendship?’ In 1908, the U.S. Secretary of State Elihu Root described the OAS building this way, a “temple of international friendship.” It’s a beautiful, striking building in Washington, DC with more in the above 100 second clip.
The violent stories seen in Boston on Monday move the above question to the forefront though. It also echoes the as morally vacant bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in my hometown Oklahoma City. The 18th year of which will be marked this Friday, April 19th. Both of these events swarm my brain and moral hunger to understand.
What type of group or religion or person would do such a thing in Boston? in Oklahoma City? in other parts of the United States? Who would legitimize violence as a way to deliver a message?
Each wave of questioning has carved out my own little pedestal of moral resolve as an American citizen, which wasn’t something I realized independently. It was a realization brought on this morning when Guardian writer Glenn Greenwald served up a gigantic slice of humble pie for breakfast.
A huge empathic challenge
In his commentary, Greenwald clearly condemns the violent attacks on Boston. He empathizes with sincerity. He also compels the United States to stretch their sense of empathy and discernment. He considers the actions of the United States military too, and how it perpetrates the same violence in other countries in and beyond President Obama’s leadership: in Pakistan, in Yemen, more. I can’t quite express the mental hard stop his assertions provoked. It was and remains unsettling to consider. Because his line of thinking gives way to these concerns:
Is there always another layer of empathy to expand the story of truth? That seems existential, relevant, and frustrating.
When do healthy self-reflection and ownership in our country achieve an acceptable level of thoroughness? fairness? And could their be agonizing delays in justice along the way, with the perpetrators of Boston’s attack in mind here? How can we systemically change our military ethos, protect our citizenry, and honor innocents in other countries too all at the same time?
Necessary, wearisome questions all. None of which I know how to address.
Gaining relief from local history, a favorite bridge, and a change in context: 100 second video story
A colleague recently said how difficult it can be to defend one’s point of view in the face of disagreement. That resonates. The very idea of heated debate inspires some pensive butterflies, especially when a level of political vitriol can potentially be involved.
Two ideas come to mind to prepare before and during a disagreement:
Practice your views on-camera and when the stakes are low.
Many people have expressed being caught off guard in a contrarian conversation with colleagues, bosses, or clients. If only a fortune teller app came with mobile phones to forecast when disagreements will occur… What can help self-assertion though (and adrenaline management) is to spend 5 minutes a week – or day! – expressing opinions to a video camera. A mobile phone camera works great. Nothing replaces live-time engagement with humans certainly, but fortifying one’s clarity of mind when the stakes are low through regular on-camera practice increases resolve (…for when the more vulnerable, live-time debates arise). Client and friend communities describe this type of video practice as incredibly useful. It’s one reason I like to stick my mug in front of a camera to video blog: it creates a practice forum with adrenaline.
Assert a greater vocal tone and ask two specific questions.
When in a heated disagreement, certainly there can be many variables and influences in play.
If the other contender in your debate or stressed conversation is in a constant-talking-without-pause mode, consider looking them in the eye and saying in an assertive, respectful, and deepened tone: “Could I ask you one question?”
When they pause to take a breath, ask them what is the most important point they want you to hear. After their reply, clarify their response and then ask a second question: “Would you listen to my main concern as well?”
When typing this out, it looks simplistic and a little corny; but it is alarming how many levels of discord occur when rants are indulged endlessly. There’ve been a few times when the tension was so high (happened to be on the phone), that I asked to call them back in 10 minutes to resume conversation. Punctuation of thought and a request for permission can help with rebuilding hopes for allegiance. It can advance comprehension of either sides point.
What helps make heated conversations or disagreements more productive in your view? And in the meantime, peace be with you!
For fun with disagreements: 100 second video story
In the spirit of disagreements, I just discovered a beef I have with good ole Mark Twain of yonder year. He was once quoted as saying “the ugliest building in America was the Old Executive Office Building” in Washington, DC. Well I couldn’t disagree more, with some more fun assertion in the above clip.
Former Prime Minister Margaret “Maggie” Thatcher died earlier today. For hours around the world commentary about her influence has flared with passion. Her death and tenure invite hefty critique about her economic policies, Britain’s coal industry, and the escalated unemployment the UK saw during her leadership. I valued the insight from Jim Edwards on these points, and how he reflects on his opposition to Thatcher with eloquence; …with other reactions about her death ranking far lower on the eloquence scale and closer to the immoral grade.
Gurgling of commentary
It’s easy today to return back to my high school years, a time when my parents and I observed Thatcher’s boldness with pride from our American south western town. I want to indulge those memories and stay swallowed up by them. But the present commentary about the prime minister gurgles more loudly than the cherished recesses of my mind.
Voice and a lack of empathy
Which brings this reality to the forefront: public leaders of all stripes deserve public attention and scrutiny. That keeps, hopefully, accountability on the radar, and the balance of power in check. Whether living or dead, I see the merit of discourse surrounding the Iron Lady or any other public leader. This minute though, I’m struck and humbled by my voice’s own blind spot (…a spot that may metaphorically live in anyone not leading in a hyper scrutinized arena like Maggie Thatcher). Even though to form and voice opinion is a right to anyone, I am finding today just how much my assertion of this right lacks empathy.
Has your leadership been tested in such a way?
As in, I sit here in luxurious distance from asserting any degree of leadership which broaches the in-the-fire leadership environment of our world leaders. Expressing positive and negative criticism toward public leadership empowers me as a citizen with little consequence. It’s the down side of free speech I suppose. I (anyone outside of in-the-fire leadership) can indulge to voice prevalent or vile commentary because it is simply possible (and because my mind can’t possibly imagine what type of leader I would be in that heated forum day to day in which Mrs. Thatcher served.
That’s an uneasy dichotomy with public voice and citizenry:
…to acknowledge the merit of voicing critique of public leaders, all while having zero capacity to understand what the test of leadership is really like for those leaders.
While taking all this in throughout the day, I will endeavor to grapple with (and slightly modify) that religious saying: “There by the grace of God go I and us all, plagued by the scrutiny of our decisions.”
It’s been a great week with spring making its wonderful appearance in Washington, DC. The 100 second video story project continues, and remains an energizing, personal storytelling challenge.
Storytelling and learning from an architect
Paul Pelz designed the mighty Library of Congress and also the Gothic Revival structure where President Theodore Roosevelt attended church over 100 years ago: the Grace Reformed Church. To see this building is a potent experience (more in a 100 second video story above). It consumes the senses with its varied textures and coloring.
It’s one big wow of a structure.
Roosevelt’s favorite DC church, and Pelz’s masterpiece, bring (2) factors about storytelling to mind:
Contrast and drama: There are so many contrasting materials that feed the artistry of this building: the glass, brick, stone, and bold gothic detail. Each ornamental expression adds a layer of drama. It’s a grand brick-and-mortar metaphor of the strength speakers can also convey when using contrast in presentations. Using contrast in our stories frame teachable moments more vividly and often, more credibly. What risks or opposing views or emotional depth can be shared when telling audiences our point of view? The inherent texture in contrasts can authentically help audiences connect to meaning. It’s a powerful act of leadership and empathy on the speaker’s part.
Competition vs cohesion: A risk in creative work like storytelling or speech making (or architecture too I find!) is relying on too many devices. As with giving a speech for example, too many soundbites or metaphors can come across as competing parts and dismantle the audience’s experience. With this exquisite church however, to behold it is to consume a physical narrative with plenty of intricate artistry but in a cohesive way. All the different attributes of the mighty exterior feed a greater experience of meaning. So too should the experience be for our storytelling audiences.
This church is a stupendous structure to visually consume, and a great analogy to how storytellers and speakers can deliver a cohesive, full experience to audiences.
My mission this year: practice, practice, practice storytelling methods and pace!
Video storytelling – in 100 seconds or less – is a big part of that passion and mission. The personal goal this year is to have fun and publish (20) of these story-focused videos. I’m learning a lot with accessible, fun video tools on the iPhone (SocialCam and Vine) and iMovie (loving the audio-only content option when importing video). It’s all like a social content lab in the pocket, which has been exhilarating while testing different ways to assert stories clearly and more visually.
What’s been helpful this week to keep the video story under 100 seconds:
Establish three acts at least mentally before heading out onsite to record i.e. an intro of content, middle body of content, and outro of the short piece.
Allocate ranges of time for each of the three segments i.e. 30 to 35 seconds for intro; 50 to 55 seconds of second act storytelling with photos; and 5 to 10 seconds for the closing outro phrase. This may be too structured for future pieces. So far though, it provides useful, time-preserving structure .
My heart leans toward architecture, history, and photoblogging for this storytelling testing ground! Here’s a 100 second video post on the beauty (and agonizing history) of St. Matthew’s Cathedral.
What topic would compel you to share a 100 second story?
100 second story about President Roosevelt and the beautiful design of the Mayflower Hotel
A good friend and colleague recently called me out and said:
“Hey if you like sharing stories so much, why don’t you share more on video?!”
Yikes.
When it comes to storytelling, especially on video, I often make it too complex instead of focusing on the fun in it. Does that resemble your experience at all? Does your own creative anticipation ever trip up intentions or enjoyment for storytelling?
Self-analysis helps the education of any storyteller or speaker. An over focus however on questions like these below can drive one’s storytelling self bananas (…and straight out of the storytelling passion all together):
Is the story human and relatable?
Is it direct, sincere, and relaxed?
Is it energized enough?
Am I too self conscious or artificial sounding?
A footnote:
Considering these questions honestly can be a boon for growing storytelling strength (and joy in the creative effort). But sometimes it can be too easy to resign to the questions themselves — and let the chance to test and share stories openly pass on by. Let us be vigilant! Let us recover and assert the will to share the stories we believe in even if a degree of imperfection may find its way in the process.
New mantra: do not let excessive self-scrutiny smother confidence to create and connect.
So to take a break from writing today, I strolled down to the Mayflower Hotel to observe the beautiful building (here in Washington, DC), share a quick video story for fun, and try out the audio feature on iMovie.
What stories do you enjoy telling? to whom? and what helps you share (vs hide) them?
LiveYourTalk just started a new on-the-go blog about making speeches and building trust in public voice.
It’s over at tumblr. It’s going to be more socially accessible. And content will be easier to find! This has been a goal for a mighty long while. And my blogging intent will be to share more live-time media and snapshot perspectives about the riveting world of speech making.
Here’s to new (and renewed!) conversations and more live-time moments to engage over. Have a good one today.
What a day!
Last Friday was the first ever public speaker bootcamp for my business LiveYourTalk to host.
What’s a public speaker bootcamp?!
There are many iterations available in the industry, with some offered to very large crowds. Generally the bootcamp’s intention is to provide immersive training and resources to participants about public speaking skill.
People have been inquiring to LiveYourTalk (and myself to facilitate and coach) for a particular bootcamp experience which:
involves a very small number of participants, no more than four;
clarifies points of view and potential messages to represent as a public voice;
offers expert training to exercise more confidence as a public speaker (and to build off their inherent strengths as communicators) ;
teaches ways to utilize and manage anxious energy;
trains on use of stage space, vocal variety & strength, breathing technique, and avoidance of inarticulates like the dreaded ums/uhs;
provides technique for persuasive speaking skill, basic media training, and on-camera work.
This type of client insight and curiosity has been critical; and after shaping curriculum – LiveYourTalk’s first bootcamp went live last week.
And it was a blast.
It was a day of teachable risk, training, and speech history.
It was an addictive forum for me to teach in; and I can’t wait to host the next one!
First bootcamp debrief: (4) factors that stand out
1. Group support framed one-on-one attention.
It was a small enough group (3 bootcampers) where each received the benefit of group interaction, group stimulus, support, and also one-on-one attention from myself as coach.
2. A multi-tiered curriculum worked.
Curriculum was based on (3) values for shaping resonant public voice:
—> all of the above tenets with an emphasis on point of view and message discovery;
—> use of group feedback, anxiety management, theatre training, and on-camera work;
—> all set to the unique speech-history backdrop of Washington, DC, where the bootcamp took place and included a speech history excursion to two historical venues.
Was this too aggressive for a one-day bootcamp?
That was my initial concern.
The day included a brief excursion to two historical sites in Washington, DC which have heavily influenced my thinking toward powerful public voice. It was motivating to engage with bootcamp participants in this way. Then the day culminated with an onsite video project where each bootcamper applied technique in timed conditions.
3. Trust was a conscious part of education.
As in, the bootcampers Lisa Byrne, Tinu Abayomi-Paul, and Nakeva Corothers chose each other to participate in the program together. They trust eachother professionally (they are friends too), and viewed this trust as a useful ingredient to their bootcamp results.
This shared trust made the bootcamp dynamic.
The program’s rigor & vulnerability invite a ton of emotional investment. It invites focus. And their confidence in each other made the difference toward achieving their bootcamp goals.
4. Anxiety was a useful asset to building strength.
Based on their feedback so far, there was a balance of content engagement, theatre work, play, and critique.
Each segment enabled them to exercise a key principle: anxiety is useful energy for engaging audiences if utilized (and managed) well.
By the time the final video project rolled around, there was a strong group focus to assert and conquer.
I’m still butterflies-in-belly exhilarated, and look forward to the next one.
Scenes from the day:
Engaging at the National Building Museum -pictured above too- during the bootcamp’s speech history excursion (first leg, with transportation supported by Uber DC).
Heading to the wonderful Willard Hotel to relive a moment in speech history related to the day’s training (second leg).
Lisa, Tinu, and Nakeva arrive at the main conference room …armed and ready with their LiveYourTalk ‘idea kit and archive’ complete with an (11) page resource-template guide.
Tinu asserts the day’s main video project, with great success.
“Bootcamper down! Bootcamper down!” Nakeva asserts the video project with great success, and celebrates in playful collapse.
The first ever LiveYourTalk Bootcamp graduates(!)
Congrats to all of you for your accomplishments (during the bootcamp, and beyond too). Thanks also for investing your unique voices and self-assertion through your day.
Have you ever experienced a public speaker bootcamp, or something like it?
