236 Tell Your Story and Steal the Show with Michael Port
Oct 5, 2015
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In this episode, performer and storyteller, Michael Port, joins the show to discuss the power of storytelling and effective speaking. They explore the concept of performing at your best, active ETFs, and conversational structure. They also talk about taking chances and adhering to performance principles, crafting an engaging speech, and the power of storytelling in public speaking.
Crafting a compelling story involves understanding the three-act structure and delivering it concisely and engagingly.
Contrasting elements create engagement and keep listeners interested, making a performance more memorable and impactful.
Being honest and transparent when making a promise can lead to success and build trust and credibility.
Deep dives
Crafting a Compelling Speech
When preparing a speech, it is important to have a clear big idea, make a promise to the audience, demonstrate an understanding of their perspective, highlight the consequences of not adopting the promise, and present the rewards of achieving it. Several frameworks can be used to organize the content, such as numerical, chronological, problem-solution, compare and contrast, and modular frameworks. Each framework serves to organize the information and make it easy for the audience to consume. It is crucial to rehearse well to ensure smooth delivery and comfort on stage.
The Power of Contrast in Performance
The use of contrast is essential in captivating an audience during a performance. Contrasting elements create engagement and keep listeners interested. Whether it's contrasting speech patterns, body language, or overall contrast in the content, the audience is more likely to stay engaged and be moved by the performance. Contrast creates variety and prevents monotony, making the performance more memorable and impactful.
Crafting and Delivering Compelling Stories
Effective storytelling relies on understanding the three-act structure. Act one sets the scene and provides essential contextual details, while act two introduces conflict and tension. Act three resolves the conflict and offers resolution or change. Crafting a compelling story involves creating the right amount of exposition and delivering it in a concise and engaging manner. Rehearsal is crucial to ensure the story flows smoothly and captures the audience's attention.
The importance of honesty and making a promise
In the podcast, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being honest and transparent when making a promise. By sharing a personal example of how he convinced a company to hire him despite lacking qualifications, the speaker highlights the significance of honesty in building trust and credibility. He suggests that being truthful about one's abilities and presenting a clear big idea or promise can lead to success in various situations.
Crafting compelling stories and starting a speech
The podcast also delves into the art of storytelling and opening a speech. Rather than relying solely on jokes or generic stories, the speaker advises crafting stories that directly support the big idea or promise being communicated. He stresses the importance of establishing ease and connection with the audience at the beginning of the speech, gradually building up to the climax. The speaker also discusses the power of utilizing personal experiences and memories to source engaging stories that resonate with listeners.