Tell a story and get your audience to really understand

There are some great new programmes currently on TV. And for me BBC 2 takes all the "medal positions" with "Empire of the Seas" with Dan Snow, "How Earth Made us." with Prof. Iain Stewart, and Virtual Revolution with Dr Aleks Krotoski. As well as fantastic television imagery what makes these programmes so compelling is the presenter. Clearly the show producers have chosen them because of their terrific understanding of the subject. Also because they are highly engaging presenters. And I'm sure there is also a reason somewhere in there which connects with widening the appeal of the programme. Something clearly lost on the computer geeks complaining in their Guardian blog posts about the "dreamy shots of Dr Aleks walking across a concourse!"
The other thing that makes them such compelling presenters is that they all tell stories.

Dan explained how a combination of totally overwhelming naval supremacy and a visionary approach to finance drove Britain's acquisition of an empire. Prof. Iain showed why the trade winds circle the earth and how they effectively blew Columbus to America and then blew him back again. Dr Aleks beguiled us with the origins of the internet, both technical and cultural, empowering me with an informed view on the arguments for freedom of information.
Their stories are told around familiar elements: 

• Central character or hero. 
• Location and Time.
• Some kind of challenge.
• Solution or Outcome. 
• Something unexpected or special about that outcome.  
• A conclusion.

When we listen to stories we allow our more open, imaginative, and creative right brain in on the conversation. What we hear we act out in our minds....setting the story within our own map of the world. We experience it and because of that we better understand it.
When planning your next presentation see for yourself how easily the storytelling format can be applied to your message. And see also how much you will enjoy telling that story to your audience as they experience your message.
Remember what Confucius said - What I hear I forget. What I see I remember. What I do I understand.   .....he'd have been great on TV too!

For more helpful tips and advice on how to influence and persuade others visit http://www.persuadability.co.uk/