Simplify Business Storytelling In 3 Easy Steps

Even without a major overhaul, there are small changes that you can make to how you plan stories for business presentations -- that yield big results. How can you successfully communicate your story? Don't do it the same-old-same-old way. Instead of locking your door and burying yourself deep in your computer, take a fresh approach. Use these three tactics to step away from your desk and into a new zone for creativity. Tip 1: Step Away From Your Computer If you're in the habit of hammering out a presentation -- at your keyboard, this could be the problem. It's just too hard to simplify thinking when you use a keyboard to capture your thoughts. The tendency many professionals have is to build a presentation directly into the slides. This usually results in too many ideas, too much data, and too many slides. Since your goal is to do more with less, the first thing is to step away from your computer. Instead of pounding the keyboard, pick up a pencil. Start sketching your thoughts and ideas. This brings us to the next tip. Tip 2: Gather 'Round The Kitchen Table In many top creative organizations, people gather around one big table. The table is filled with sketches, notes, pictures, and scraps of paper. In addition, prototypes, models and samples are on the table. The idea of gathering colleagues around a central table is simple: it's easier to share ideas in informal setting. Encourage doodling, sketching and open brainstorming. No ideas are 'stupid' while this discussion is going on. Keep an open mind during a lively dialogue. Welcome all suggestions and a remarkably creative process is sure to unfold. Now, it's time to do the critical step: Tip 3: Notice What Emerges Usually after animated discussion, a certain concept or sketch captures the attention of the group. This is important to notice and run with. Stop trying to push one idea or rescue a concept that should be tossed. Instead, go with the idea that has a natural momentum. If you aren't sure what idea is bubbling to the surface, take a break. Walk away from the table. Go outside and encourage others to do the same. Often after a period of incubation, one sketch or story rises to the top. This practice of stepping away from your computer, brainstorming with colleagues, and allowing a natural winner to surface will transform how you develop business presentations. In a short time, coworkers will jump at the chance to do this kind of collaborative problem solving. As one of my very successful clients puts it: "None of us is as good as all of us." The people you work with have a wealth of creativity, experience and insight. Use your team's brainpower to create powerful presentation stories. If you want to capture attention, structure your story to match your audience. Whether connecting with existing clients, generating leads, or selling to customers, simple visual storytelling wins top results.