the art of storytelling
not every presentation is worth that kind of investment of time. But if you do decide to memorize your talk, be aware that there’s a predictable arc to the learning curve. Most people go through what I call the “valley of awkwardness,” where they haven’t quite memorized the talk. If they give the talk while stuck in that valley, the audience will
... See moreChris Anderson • Frame Your Story
Many of the best talks have a narrative structure that loosely follows a detective story. The speaker starts out by presenting a problem and then describes the search for a solution. There’s an “aha” moment, and the audience’s perspective shifts in a meaningful way.
Chris Anderson • Frame Your Story
Sally Mallam • The Science of Storytelling
If your opening can be guessed by your audience, it’s boring!
Akash Karia • TED Talks Storytelling
A little more than a year ago, on a trip to Nairobi, Kenya, some colleagues and I met a 12-year-old Masai boy named Richard Turere, who told us a fascinating story. His family raises livestock on the edge of a vast national park, and one of the biggest challenges is protecting the animals from lions—especially at night. Richard had noticed that
... See moreHarvard Business Review • Frame Your Story

No conflict = no curiosity = no interest.
Akash Karia • TED Talks Storytelling
it’s usually much better to just sound conversational. Don’t force it. Don’t orate. Just be you.