December, 2010 Rockin' Raconteurs are Remembered and Repeated! Webster's dictionary definition of a Raconteur: a person skilled at telling stories
	Quotations of the month: "Thou shalt not is soon forgotten, but 'once upon a time' will last forever." – Philip Pullman "Speaking is simply: Tell a story, make a point; tell another story, make another point." – Bill Gove Check out my new book!		Opening: It may interest you to know that rockin' raconteurs consciously and skilfully use techniques so that their stories are remembered and repeated. Promise: You too can rock as a raconteur and be held in high esteem as a speaker by being aware of and using the "R" elements that make stories remembered and repeated. Roadmap: We will examine techniques that rockin' raconteurs utilize well in both the planning and delivery of their stories using the "R" words below: Result Rapport and Relate Reveal a Resolution Relive and Re-capture Reflect and Realize
	Why are Rockin' Raconteurs are remembered and repeated? They know that: people are moved to action by emotion first, not intellect all people enjoy hearing stories personal stories are vehicles for connecting emotionally with audiences a point/message must be anchored in their stories the 'R' factors below are crucial in the planning and delivery of their stories everyone has stories to tell from which others can learn Technique #1: In your planning stage, start with the intended RESULT or end in mind. Ask and answer yourself this: '"What do I want my audience to think, feel, say or do differently AFTER I finish speaking or what is my take-away message? Which story(ies) would be most be best to anchor that message while at the same time be most effective to evoke emotion?" Technique #2: In your opening, build RAPPORT and RELATE to your audience Storytelling is an excellent, natural, conversational way of building RAPPORT with your audience. A well-crafted story that RELATES to their emotions and needs as it: establishes your credibility instantly captures the audience's attention creates immediate RAPPORT Once you've established that you're similar to them and not special, that it's all about THEM, not you, and that they will benefit greatly from listening to what you've learned, they will trust you and want to 'journey' with you. Technique #3: In your stories, REVEAL a RESOLUTION to an obstacle, conflict, hard-ship you were able to overcome because of a process you learned from someone or something (Remember: Do NOT make yourself the hero/guru! !! Place the PROCESS on a pedestal, not you!!) We all have stories in which we've learned a process enabling us to think, feel, say or act differently, in a more enlightened way...so share these processes with others!! They want to learn WHAT you've learned and HOW you've learned it. Technique#4: In your delivery: RE-LIVE and RE-CAPTURE the sights, sounds, and sensations of your life stories. "Don't re-tell a story; re-live it!" –Lou Heckler, master storyteller Using characters and actual dialogue and less narrative, RE-LIVE and RE-CAPTURE scenes, as you do with friends. "Don't say the old lady screamed – bring her on and let her scream." – Mark Twain Let them also hear your own inner dialogue or thoughts when you are pondering an issue. Technique #5: Throughout the DELIVERY of your stories, give them opportunities to REFLECT on your revelation/point/message so they REALIZE that they too can achieve the same success in their lives. "Wisdom comes from reflection!" – P.Fripp Technique#6: At the beginning, in the middle and at the end, continually RELATE to and engage your audience with "YOU" questions or statements such as: "Have you ever...?" "It may interest you to know..." "You have everything within you to..." "Do you realize that when you...then you will be rewarded with...?" "Speak to one with your words, look to all with your eyes." –C. Valentine Just like a Rockin' Raconteur who is REMEMBERED and REPEATED , I strongly suggest that you too: realize the importance of using stories in order to connect be a collector of stories - during the holiday season you're bound to hear many! create and continually update a STORY FILE of your own life lesson stories be conscious of and use the "R" elements A Few Recommended Storytelling Resources Patricia Fripp (many FREE articles on speaking and storytelling) "COMPELLING STORIES: THE INSIDE SECRETS." Learn how to tell life-changing, career-building, awe-inspiring and sales-inducing stories. Your stories can: Inspire & Motivate Teach & Train Convince & Persuade Craig Valentine's "The Edge of their seats Storytelling Home-Study Kit for Speakers" Here’s How You Can Rapidly Turn your Ideas into Stories and Your Stories into Speeches that put You in High Demand! Do you want to make thousands of dollars per speech? Then tell "thousand-dollar" stories. How much would becoming a masterful storyteller help your speeches? I invite you to join me in January, 2011, when we look at the letter "S" as it relates to another speaking skill. Kathryn@kathrynmackenzie.com 416.489.6603 If you know someone who may benefit from these newsletters, please forward to them. If you wish to unsubscribe from these newsletters, please click here. www.kathrynmackenzie.com © 2010 All rights reserved