The Puzzle Avalanche: Your Worst Storytelling Nightmare

Edition #25 - The Storyteller's Spotlight Newsletter

You are the puzzle builder.

Your audience is the puzzle solver.

Your goal in telling a story is to convey a message to the audience so they can put the puzzle pieces together. When you overly complicate a story by adding too many details, it makes it more challenging for others to see the bigger picture.

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→ They can't follow along and finish the puzzle!

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Remember, time is precious.

Attention spans are getting shorter. We can't expect to receive undivided attention for more than a few minutes.

The strategic use of time becomes more essential with executive audiences.

Imagine listening to a speaker deliver two versions of the same story.

Which version would be easier to follow?

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??Version 1

David, a fourth grader and piano lover, goes to a local music store in Westerville, Ohio with his mom to look at all the instruments on display. Instruments of all shapes, sizes, and colors; from flutes to saxophones, drums, and guitars. One shiny gold saxophone in particular catches his attention. He rushes over to his mom and begs her to buy it for him. Unfortunately, she tells him no because his hands are too small. Although he is disappointed with the outcome, David does not give up and continues to ask his mom to buy the saxophone. He displays a strong sense of commitment and determination to this endeavor. Six months later, his mom surprises him with the saxophone. The next day, David rushes home after school to start practicing the saxophone and asks his sisters to help him hold up the instrument. A few weeks later, his mom signs him up to take lessons with a local university saxophone player at Otterbein College. After months of practicing, he starts to learn how to play beginner-level songs. After years of practice and dedication, David enters middle school and earns a spot in the middle school concert band. He enjoys playing so much that he joins the jazz band in 6th grade. He continues to improve his saxophone skills and joins the high school jazz band, where he plays lead alto saxophone and further develops improvisational skills. David didn't give up and learned how to beat the odds. So can you. Believe in yourself.

??Version 2

David, a fourth grader, visits a local music store with his mom. He sees a shiny gold saxophone, falls in love with it, and asks his mom to buy it. She says his hands are too small, but he doesn't give up. After six months, she surprises him with the saxophone. David takes lessons and develops his skills. Later, he joins the middle school and high school school jazz bands. Believe in yourself and never give up despite the odds.

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It should be clear that the 2nd version is easier to follow, especially if you are listening to someone speak the words.

Lesson: Don't complicate your stories. Keep them simple with relevant details to ensure your audience fully understands your message.

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p.s. In case you're wondering, this is a true story about me.???

Hi, I'm David Ghodsizadeh. I help ambitious professionals build #leadership and #communication skills through #storytelling. Follow me if you are interested in these topics.

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