How
to Compel Rapt Attention
Dear
Associate,
"Eighth
grade. Herbert Hoover Junior High softball tournament. I got
a star player ejected from her team because I wanted the edge
to win the whole enchilada.
"The
inescapable truth was—she was my friend. We got along.
I knew her brothers. But she didn't qualify and I exposed
her for self-serving reasons.
"Today
I see the folly of my ways...
"I
could have lost a valuable friend because I was only thinking
of myself. I was focused on short-term rewards, but was blind
to long-term consequences. And the irony for me is: I don't
even remember if we'd won the tournament."
This
is a personal story from my youth. But it also could be a
powerful opening to teach themes about "Eternal Friendships,"
"Winning Hearts—Not Trophies," or "The
Destructive Power of Me, Me, Me." It's personal, powerful,
and draws listeners in.
Which
is the secret to compelling rapt attention...
By
weaving personal stories to support lessons or making points,
your audience will instantly relate with their own personal
experiences. They will remember the times when they were in
similar situations. Some may crack a smile. Others a frown.
Maybe
they were the bad gal. Maybe they were the hero. Or maybe
they know someone who went through the same circumstances
but isn't present to benefit from your message.
Whatever
the case, the major benefit is: you have created community...
A
safe haven where your listeners join you in one fell swoop.
In a nanosecond they will travel with you to another time,
and another place. Instantly they will have forgotten all
the chattering in their minds to be present with you.
You have captured their hearts and minds. You've gripped them
with your personal story. They're leaning over the edge of
their seats in anticipation of your every word.
For
most speakers and writers—this is nirvana. The ability
to engage their audience by being genuine. Nothing pre-fabricated.
And nothing phony.
You
can create this magic when you present a workshop, a seminar,
or a keynote. You can become instantly riveting in your book,
website, or journal. And you can hold everyone spellbound
during a campfire.
To
create this unique community, keep these three factors in
mind:
1)
No smuggling. This is the bane of most speakers. They
repeat the exact stories their peers are telling. The audience
is tired of hearing these rehashed stories. Especially if
two speakers recite the same story on the same program.
For
example:
The
Roger Bannister 4-minute mile story, the lighthouse story,
or the Make-a-Wish Foundation story fall under this category.
They've been used, re-used, and frankly (I believe) abused
for the umpteenth time.
It
creates a disconnect between you and your audience. It screams
you're a hack. And this will prevent bureaus from promoting
you properly.
On
the other hand, nothing is more powerful than your original
personal story. It's fresh and organic. It parallels a retina
scan. No one else in the world has the same pattern.
Another
important factor:
2)
Having purpose. Avoid telling stories just to elicit smiles
or laughs. Unless you're a storyteller. Or a humorist.
Your
story should lead to a point or a particular lesson. What
do you want your listeners to learn? How will it help them?
Or maybe it's what you want them to unlearn.
And
you shouldn't speak for the sake of making a back of the room
product sale. That's shallow and manipulative. And people
will see right through it.
And
a very overlooked factor:
3)
Keeping it tight. The best speakers do this well. This
keeps people riveted to you and your message. And this is
how the best copywriters can write 99-page letters and keep
readers engaged.
To
accomplish this: Short and pithy is better than long and winded.
Short sentences - even a single word sentence - can carry
more weight than longer sentences.
Why?
Because
you want to be connected with your listeners as soon as possible.
You want everyone on the same page quickly. And you want that
community ready to receive your message instantly.
Compare
these two paragraphs below with the opening paragraph...
"I
was in the eighth grade at Herbert Hoover Junior High School.
I joined a softball league and played in the outfield. It
was a tough league but I found out how to give my team an
advantage.
"Another
team's star player did not qualify to play. I knew about it.
If I reported it, then she'd be sidelined for the rest of
the tournament. Then we'd have a better chance to win."
These
are good, but drags a bit. These two paragraphs can be condensed
into one as I have done at the top. More words mean it will
take longer to create community. And the longer it takes,
the more your audience continues wandering.
Warm
Regards,
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