If you were given 5 minutes to tell your story and make a lasting connection with your audience of one, ten, or two hundred could you do it?

Recently, the Executive Director of a non-profit came to me with a challenge. Their organization had entered an annual grant competition with a significant six figure prize. Last year, they faced stiff competition and missed winning the award. In 2020, with the populations served facing even more urgent need, her team did not want to lose again.

An initially large group of applicants was reduced to four worthy and well-established non-profit organizations. The grant organization, comprised of 160 female philanthropists, required each of the four finalists to create a live, 5-minute presentation that answered and addressed five key questions about their current operations, as well as how this monetary award would deepen and broaden impact in the communities they serve. Each organization would present one after the other, to a packed room of investors, participants and supporters. At the end of all presentations, the grantors would vote, and a winner would be announced.

Each of the finalists was doing impactful and meaningful work, and deserving of the grant money. But it was clear to me that whoever told the best story was more likely to win.

I was emailed a 15-minute presentation. The presentation began with a polite introduction, an abundance of data, too many anecdotal examples of current business practices, a murky answer to what differentiated their organization, and why they should be awarded the grant.

They had checked all the boxes, but this was not a memorable, impactful, or winning presentation.

Working very closely with the Executive Director of the organization, we dug into their message, incorporating tools of skilled actors, playwrights and storytellers.

Urgent need and high stakes require a deep, personal investment and make for more engaging stories and lasting connection with an audience
Creating a sticky moment right from the beginning embeds itself in your audience’s mind, so your audience wants to learn more
Be Authentic-giving yourself permission to be vulnerable builds connection

As the leader of the non-profit, my client had discounted her own emotional journey that answered the question of why she leads this organization. When she shared a relevant story that helped us convey why the organization is so vital and why the investors should choose their company, we knew we had the sticky moment that would engage the audience.

Next, we crafted the body of the story, laying out the strategy and approach with proven storytelling and playwrighting technique:

Always keep your story moving forward/recognize when you are going off the rails
Never say something in 3 lines that can be said with one line/ each line is there for a reason

Leap into your text and look for wording that may feel disconnected from your authentic way of speaking or unfamiliar to your audience

We began this section of the story by laying out how and why the current way of addressing the problem wasn’t working. Then, we sifted through and highlighted supporting data. Lastly, we wrapped up with clear evidence of how this six-figure award would be transformative for their organization and the people they serve. We rehearsed and timed the presentation until we were 30 seconds under the time limit (always end your presentation, never have someone stop you.)

The CEO and the organization won the grant.

I’ve learned that it takes a deep dive into why, why, why for clarity to emerge. If the CEO had discounted her experience, she may have missed a once in a year opportunity. Often, the one thing people are most afraid to risk sharing, is the one thing that could connect most deeply with an audience. It often takes an objective, but trusted, eye to give you the nudge to take a risk.

That authentic story, or sticky moment, might be silly or profound or somewhere in between. Once you identify and communicate that moment, you engage with your audience in the first 30 seconds of a presentation. Utilizing proven storytelling techniques keeps a presenter on message and creates deeper clarity for audience members. Ultimately, never discount the power of presence and authenticity in connecting with an audience, or in transforming your business.

My client was unafraid to share her vulnerability, and the audience felt her and ultimately believed in her.

Our time is more valuable than ever. Whether you engage live or virtually it’s essential to create clear, succinct and meaningful interactions with clients and colleagues.

If you are looking to improve clarity in your business story, speak with greater confidence, drive alignment with your strategic vision, or deepen employee engagement, you must be clear, connected and memorable.

Center Stage Connections can help you meet your goals for more impactful connections.

I’m happy to chat: julie@centerstageconnections.com

https://www.centerstageconnections.com