Remember your favourite childhood stories?
Of course you do.
They stuck with us because they reached our hearts, stirred our emotions, and filled our young minds with amazing dreams and possibilities.
So isn’t it surprising that the techniques used in those stories are not employed by marketing professionals in a more conscious way? What are the ingredients for a high impact and memorable story? Why is it that so much ‘communication’ around us leaves us cold?
Here are 5 top tips that we think will help you.
Tip 1:
Images and words work in tandem. Get the balance right!
Take a look at the images and words in any of your favourite childhood books. The words support the illustrations and the illustrations support the words. Too many presentations have images for the sake of images and words for the sake of words. Avoid that!
Tip 2:
Aesthetics matter. It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it (and visualise it).
Humans love beautiful things. Whether it’s a deep red sunset, an instagrammable meal or a view from a mountain peak, beautiful things grab our attention. So, next time you’re about to finish your presentation it’s worth asking yourself – is it as beautiful as it can be?
Tip 3:
Length matters.
Many of our favourite childhood stories were for those few satisfying minutes before sleeping. Cut out what is not really necessary!
Tip 4:
What’s your theme?
Does your presentation have a central theme and narrative that is memorable? Does it move from A to B seamlessly? Does every slide push the narrative forward and support the overriding message?
Tip 5:
We’re only human after all.
Can your audience identify with your story? Is it really written for them and the way that they think?
We hope these tips are useful. If you would like us to help you with your storytelling in presentations and communication, please get in touch!