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Why use questions?
- helps them reflect on their own situations/feeling/lives
- aids in creating a deeper connection with you
- makes your stories sound more conversational
- engages them and holds their interest
When use questions? Use 4T’s to Connection!
- at the beginning of a story
Tap into their minds by asking a question using the word ‘you’ in the singular form, giving the audience time to reflect on an issue going to be discussed i.e.When was the last time you....
then Transport them into your story, inviting them in.i.e If you had seen me then, you... (C.Valentine)
- during a story
Touch base with them periodically to ensure they are still with you.ie How do you think I was feeling? Can you relate to that? What would you have done…?
- at the end of the story
Step out of your story and turn the issue onto them with a Take away question, as in: “What about you, when will you…? Or What will your next step be, now that you….?”
How to use questions?
Rhetorical questions: The best kind of rhetorical question, especially at the start of a story, is one of the 5 W’s as it doesn’t result in a mental yes or no answer in the audience’s minds; it actually gets them to reflect.
Questions to which you want verbal answers:
Audience reluctant to answer openly? Try either of these 2 tips: first have them discuss with a partner or in a small group, then have them answer aloud, or if you are trying to make a point, tell your story about something that occurred to you, and have them respond about their own experiences in a similar situation.
QUOTATIONS
Why use quotations?
Quotations by well-known authorities give your presentation credibility, support and can add interest and depth to a topic. They serve as examples of the idea you are presenting or promoting.
Effective use of quotations:
- introduce the quotation by giving the author’s name, the source, a summary either before or after stating it. i.e.Mary Smith agrees with that point saying: “In my in depth research, I have found that...” or In J.J.’s article of July 2005 in TIME, he writes: “………..” Here we see that… or His statement clearly demonstrates that…
- give your own opinion of an author’s quotation to support/illustrate your point
Ineffective use of quotations:
- use too many quotations
- use them as substitutes for your points
- have them appear out of nowhere
- leave the quotation hanging as though it was self-explanatory
To recap, use questions and quotations effectively, and not only will you be connected to your audience but your point will be remembered and repeated!
Join me next month, (back in Canada) when I discuss the letter “R” as it relates to another story-telling skill.
Until then, happy speaking!
Kathryn :-)
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