Storytelling in Presentations: The Story You Shouldn't Tell (Part 3)
Welcome to the third and final installment of our series, "The Story You Should Never Tell." If you missed the first two videos, be sure to check your emails for the links to catch up. In this series, we've explored the emotional depths of storytelling and how to navigate them effectively.
In the first two videos, we discussed why the story that makes you cry is the one you should never tell and how to get your emotional story to a place where you can share it without breaking down. Now, it's time to tackle the next big question: "What do I do if, even after all the preparation, I get choked up while telling the story?"
We've all been there. Even the most seasoned storytellers can find themselves caught off guard by their own emotions. I have a personal story about my daughter that I often share at the end of my keynotes. Despite having told it hundreds of times, there have been moments when my voice caught, and my eyes started to burn. It's a human experience, and that's the beauty of storytelling.
However, crying during your story isn't ideal for all the reasons we've discussed previously. So, what's the plan if you find yourself getting emotional? Here's your emergency action plan:
First, stop. Don't say another word. Give your heart, your head, and your voice a chance to catch up with each other. Then, take a deep breath. Look down at the ground, look up at the ceiling, and remind yourself who this story is really for. It's for your audience, not for you. You've already mastered this story, worked through these emotions, and learned these lessons. You're not learning them as you tell the story; that part is already done. The learning is for your audience, which is why you need to be able to get to the end of the story so they can learn from you.
Once you've paused, taken a breath, and reminded yourself of your relationship to the story and who it's really for, it's okay to proceed. This pause will answer the listener's question of "Is the storyteller okay?" Regaining your composure says, "Yes, I'm fine. This is for you."
