May, 2015
JOIN STRATEGY AND EMOTION: TALK IN PICTURES TO TURN ON YOUR BIG IDEAS!
The auditorium is packed, standing room only, the room is dark, there is only one huge visual of a small boat between two giant waves above the stage dimly lighting the room. The keynote speaker is at the podium and begins to speak…”It was a dark and stormy evening, our boat was slamming against each wave…” You wonder WHAT does this have to do with “increasing your efficiency during growth” as the talk content has been advertised.
As a series of stormy sea visuals narrate his story, you are drawn into this vivid story. You become captured by this speaker’s ability to link story “pictures” to create gut connection of being that courageous captain of that small sturdy boat being tossed in a stormy sea to finally reach a peaceful safe harbor. The speaker’s true-life adventure becomes metaphor for “how” you feel as you navigate change, growth, and maintain your charted line of action for “how” to become more efficient with your business practices. You relate to the boat captain’s struggle…you are the captain.
Voila…picture storytelling links to emotional experience! You have shared a life experience.
Seems to be pretty simple, so why is it so difficult to tell story in “picture”? Most folks are taught that “business” talks or presentations are to be based in fact, numbers, results; mind crunching strategic points. The intelligent mind stuff. In business we are taught to instruct, not to share. Stories come from an emotional vulnerable place, the heart. We are not encouraged to tell story, to be creative, to paint our talks with emotion AND intellect. Storytelling using talk-story supported with vivid simple visuals lets each listener’s imagination personalize and weave both emotion and fact into a memorable learning experience.
A great “story” packs the room.
Remember, you DO need a strong single-minded theme. The story above uses courage to face and ride out the storm as theme throughout the details of what it takes to “increase efficiency during growth”. Always repeat and circle back to your theme focus to reinforce memory as well as the established emotional experience that has all on the edge of their seats.
Why create a visual picture story?
1. Pictures create easy visual memory link to your theme, your key points. Pictures marry memory with your words. Seeing is believing!
2. Pictures reinforce the simple language that makes up your story. They help create focus for your audience and help you craft your story without complex jargon.
3. Pictures that tell story create a feeling of “share”, which shows you care.
How do you create a memorable picture story?
1. Create a picture style that reflects your theme purpose. Pictures also can be used to bring out case examples that tell a story to illustrate growth steps, profits, etc. (Example: the helm compass dial can be used for growth chart!)
2. Use pictures as an extension of your talk…not a “see and say” read along. Your audience will remember your talk better if you can involve them in your story.
3. Be consistent with your pictures (Please, if you use stock images, find similar styles…bouncing from style to style turns your audience into non listening ping pong balls). Use similar tones, hues, and same style of illustration from photos to sketches. You can “mix”: need to do this in a consistent simple format so eyes can expect a picture story has a logical flow (there’s that “mind” thing again!).
How can you find your visual picture style?
Pictures can support your story telling in a very personal manner. Quick sketch illustrations are tailored to your unique expression and focus. “Heart” or emotion has the quality of spontaneity and quick sketch visuals reflect this quality. They become lasting touch points that speak a universal story to your audience. A personal expression of your story, your theme. Give me a call or connect up via mail (paula@chillightful.com) and we can “picturestorm” your picture story.
Today, business is not “siloed”. We are now combining work, home, and play stories to create balanced healthy lives. Folks love a good story…especially one they can picture as their own vision of success. Turn on your story with pictures; shine your strategy with creative picture storytelling.
Thanks for your time and sharing!
I’m Paula Brown; Visual Scribe / Feng Shui practitioner / Author / Animal Communicator. I am a visual storyteller showing you how to IGNITE YOUR STORY, YOUR ENERGY, YOUR WELL-BEING for both business and home. My site is: www.chilightful.com Connect on: LinkedIn, Twitter. and you can “like” my facebook page at: www.facebook.com/ChiLightful
