Why do people still go to the movies? Because everyone loves a story.

In these weekly articles on public speaking, I have often talked about the power of story in your public speaking. However, do you also use stories in your technical presentations?

When you use stories in your technical presentations, you demonstrate how the technology is used in the real world.

Using stories in your technical presentations can translate complex information into readily “digestible” information for your audience.

Below are three ways to use stories in your technical presentations to make your message have more impact.

Case Studies and Real-World Examples

Sharing stories about real-life applications of your presentation’s technical content makes it easier for your audience to grasp what you are saying, whether your audience is technical or not.

For instance, if you are discussing the benefits and drawbacks of nuclear power plants, tell your audience a story about their positive impact on other countries and the safeguards these other countries have implemented.

We are a society exposed to a lot of information. If this information is told through a story, it becomes real for your audience. Your message will have more impact.

Case studies are defined as a process or record of research in which detailed consideration is given to the development of a particular person, group, or situation over a period of time.

Case studies are stories about what happens to a particular person, group, or situation over time. Of course, the case study must support your message.

Conclusions drawn from a case study can be compelling since you are talking about a real-life situation.

So, stories illustrated in case studies and real-world examples is one way for your message to have more impact on your audience.

Another way is to organize your presentation in a problem-solution narrative.

Problem-Solution Narratives

A problem-solution narrative is a classic way to organize a presentation.

You present the problem, and then you say how the problem was resolved.

You can use sequential problem-solution, problem-solution impact, and problem-solution next steps formats for your technical presentation.

In the sequential problem-solution format, you identify the problem, explain the solution and how it solves it, and then give a real-world example of the solution.

In the problem solution impact format, you identify the problem, give a detailed explanation of the solution and how it solves the problem, and then give a thorough analysis of the solution’s impact.

In the problem-solution next-steps format, you identify the problem, explain the solution and how it solves it, and then show the next steps to implement the solution.

The three problem-solution narrative methods help illustrate the value of the technology and make the information more engaging by showing its relevance and application in solving real-world problems.

So, stories illustrated in case studies, real-world examples, and problem-solution narratives are two ways for your message to impact your audience significantly.

A final way is to organize your presentation using personal anecdotes.

Personal Anecdotes

To the extent you can illustrate the technical content in personal stories, you will more fully engage your audience. This is so because you are instantly credible with your audience because you are in the story. Acting out with your body language and voice dialogue in your personal story will make your points real for your audience.

Your personal anecdotes humanize your technical content and build a connection with your audience.

Telling your audience stories about your personal challenges and successes with the technology is always a hit with your audience. These stories are authentic and relatable to your audience.

So stories illustrated in case studies and real-world examples, problem-solution narratives, and personal anecdotes are three ways for your message to have more impact on your audience.

It is safe to say technology can be a bit overwhelming for audiences. Using stories demystifies your technical content and keeps your audience engaged by providing context and emotional connection.

Stories bring your audience into your content, relate to a story in audience members’ lives, and translate the complex into the relatable.

Stories. Don’t speak again without them!

Call to Action

• Use case studies and real-world examples stories to more fully engage your audience

• Use the sequential problem-solution or the problem-solution impact or the problem-solution next steps formats to make your technical content logical to your audience

• Use personal anecdotes to make your technical content come alive

Being a confident, engaging, and effective technical speaker is a vital personal and professional asset. With more than 40 years of engineering experience and more than 30 years of award-winning public speaking experience, I can help you reduce your presentation preparatory time by 50%, overcome your fear of public speaking and be completely at ease, deliver your presentations effectively, develop your personal presence with your audience; and apply an innovative way to handle audience questions deftly.

Working closely with you, I provide a customized protocol employing the critical skills and tools you need to create, practice, and deliver excellent technical speeches and presentations. Let’s connect and explore how I can help you become the exceptional speaker you were meant to be. Please reach out to me at frank@speakleadandsucceed.com or 703-509-4424 for a complimentary consultation. Schedule a meeting with me at calendly.com/frankdibartolomeospeaks.