Story Telling As a Presentation Form

A short time ago I had the privledge to interview for a project with a partner firm.

In my space the interview is the pitch. The client has your written proposal and now they want to hear from you in person (now all virtual due to C19).

I was prominently featured on the team and in the interview.

Afterwards I got a compliment from my teammates.

It was that I speak in narrative form. Which I do. I have been more comfortable, especially as I have gotten older, doing these in such a style. I don’t do well speaking in bullets. Some people really do; they are clear to the point, and are appropriately dry for the audience. I find myself gettitng too monitone (or at least that’s how I hear myself) and don’t feel like I connect with people as well.

The upside on the story telling approach is that you can personalize to fit the room and factor in what you can read from the crowd.

Some nimbleness is needed and you have to be ready to go off script if the material is not landing. The downside is you may not connect with people and your message may get lost. Another is you can loose track of your time budget. So you have to also be aware to edit in the moment and bring things back to a point.

I think the reality is you have to be able to do both. And if your more of a linear thinker and presenter, it’s helpful to have a story telling sidekick. And the reverse is also true.