Two crucial factors may make or break your career as a global leader when you are presenting
Any professional speaker must have “Strong public speaking and presenting abilities”. Being a competent speaker in your own culture is no longer adequate in today’s globalized world. To be genuinely successful, you must be able to successfully connect with varied audiences from all over the world.
“Understanding your audience” is one of the keys to success in global public speaking. Investigate their cultural norms, communication techniques, and values. This will allow you to personalize your message to their individual requirements and tastes, ensuring that your message is received well.
Another essential element of successful global public speaking is to be aware of your body language and nonverbal cues. Remember that different cultures may interpret nonverbal cues differently, so it’s essential to be aware of how you are presenting yourself and adjust accordingly.
Additionally, do not underestimate the power of storytelling in business. According to marketing professor Jennifer Aaker at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, stories are remembered up to 22 times more than facts alone. In other words, if you have a message that you want people to remember, wrap it in a story. People are hardwired to remember tales, and a well-crafted narrative will help you engage your audience and make your message more memorable.
Here are some tips that can help you become a better storyteller in a business setting and captivate your audience.
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- Know your audience: Understanding your audience is crucial in crafting a story that resonates with them. Take the time to research their interests, values, beliefs, and most importantly, pain points, so you can tailor your story accordingly.
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- Keep it relevant: Ensure that the only reason why you tell a story is to clearly deliver your One BIG Message® Irrelevant stories can confuse your audience and dilute the impact of your message.
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- Use emotions: Stories MUST elicit emotion. Incorporating what I call “4F’s – Failure, Frustration, Flaw, First – into your story can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level.
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- Keep it concise: Your story should be engaging, but also concise and to the point. Avoid long-winded tales that may lose your audience’s attention, again, make sure that your story clearly delivers your One BIG Message®.
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- Practice makes perfect: Practice telling your story to others and getting feedback on how you can improve. With time and practice, you can become a master storyteller in the business world.
So, here’s the bottom line: as a global leader, your success hinges on two crucial factors – your ability to understand your audience at a deeper level, and to tell persuasive stories. To nail it, you need to research and understand your audience, be aware of your body language, and weave stories that tug at their heartstrings. It’s all about engaging your audience, making a lasting impression, and leaving them wanting more.
To master the art of public speaking and storytelling effectively, enroll in my e-learning program,‘The Art of Persuasive Speaking in Global Business.’ It will help you understand how cultural differences impact your communication and how to make conscious decisions about persuasive communication through a range of proven strategies.
