Want to compel audiences to seek you out after you speak?
Then use the sixth and final step of scriptwriter Michael Hauge’s proven storytelling process. The formula introduces:
The Setup in which you introduce a compelling character in a relatable situation.
A Crisis which introduces a challenge to the ordinary life of your protagonist.
The Pursuit of your protagonist. This is the main goal she wants to achieve.
A Conflict that tests your protagonist’s level of desire for her goal.
The Climax where the obstacles are overcome and the protagonist achieves the goal.
This leads to the sixth and often-overlooked step of the process — the Aftermath.
How This Step Draws In Your Audience When You Speak
Many storytellers leave this scene out. Because of this, their audiences don’t experience the full benefit of the story.
For example, consider financial planners. They may tell you about a couple struggling or worried about their future. After working with the planner, the couple got their affairs in order and felt better.
But, they don’t tell you HOW their situation improved. Without specifics, the listener won’t feel an emotional connection. This might cause them to disregard the planner’s services and not engage her.
A better strategy is to share the new life the couple is experiencing. The planner could talk about the couple’s improved marriage because of better communication.
Or, the regular vacations they now take that they used to only dream about.
Or, the better college their son now attends because they planned the right way.
There are countless other aspects of this story that she can share. Prospective clients want to hear those specific benefits. This causes them to think, “I want that, too.”
Examples of The Aftermath From Various Media
Consider the many commercial produced by the advertising world:
The mother who feels better because her young child is sleeping better at night.
Why?
Because of the nighttime cold medicine she gave her son.
The attractive young people enjoying a more energetic and fun-filled party.
Why?
Because they’re drinking that new ‘lite’ beer. (I have yet to attend one of those parties, but, they must be out there. The beer company said so).
In movies, the hero overcomes the big obstacle to achieve success. In Star Wars, Luke Skywalker fired the shot that blew up the Death Star. He saved the rebellion and is on the path to becoming a Jedi Knight.
Are You Including This Crucial Step When You Speak?
There are countless stories that show the improved life of the main character. When you craft your stories, are you including this critical step?
If not, you’re costing yourself opportunities. And your audience is missing out on the value you provide.
Want to top off your story with an ending that creates desire in your audience to learn more?
Give them the aftermath.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE
’52 Storytelling Tips’
How much would your business improve if you could become at least three times better at storytelling than you are today?
In one year, you can do just that. Every week, you’ll receive a free 5-minute audio tip and downloadable PDF transcription of that lesson. For 12 months, you’ll automatically receive these tips that build one upon another.Develop these skills and you can:
– Become better known
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– Reduce the stress and anxiety often involved with crafting and delivering memorable stories that get results
"Michael transformed our everyday managers into conference presenters by coaching them and by challenging the traditional methods they were using to present. The outcome was phenomenal.
Our conference was elevated to a new level of professionalism. Michael will be retained to help make our trainers become better communicators, both visually and verbally and to assist us with next year’s conference. We highly recommend him and Speaking CPR to assist with your next event."
Robert Gerbus, President, Trans Ash, Inc.
Speaking CPR
5
2018-05-10T09:44:06-04:00
Robert Gerbus, President, Trans Ash, Inc.
"Michael transformed our everyday managers into conference presenters by coaching them and by challenging the traditional methods they were using to present. The outcome was phenomenal. Our conference was elevated to a new level of professionalism. Michael will be retained to help make our trainers become better communicators, both visually and verbally and to assist us with next year’s conference. We highly recommend him and Speaking CPR to assist with your next event."
“As a former Green Beret and professional storyteller, I give dozens of speeches every year. I am very selective about who trains me.
Michael Davis exceeded every expectation and was one of the best coaches I ever worked with. His quiet professionalism, and unsurpassed knowledge of storytelling helped make my Ted X Cincinnati talk extremely powerful. I would recommend Michael, as a story and speaking coach to anyone with a high stakes talk to give. Michael will help you take your speech from good to great!”
LTC (Ret.) Scott Mann, Green Beret, Storyteller, Trainer, Coach, Author
Speaking CPR
5
2018-05-10T09:45:38-04:00
LTC (Ret.) Scott Mann, Green Beret, Storyteller, Trainer, Coach, Author
“As a former Green Beret and professional storyteller, I give dozens of speeches every year. I am very selective about who trains me. Michael Davis exceeded every expectation and was one of the best coaches I ever worked with. His quiet professionalism, and unsurpassed knowledge of storytelling helped make my Ted X Cincinnati talk extremely powerful. I would recommend Michael, as a story and speaking coach to anyone with a high stakes talk to give. Michael will help you take your speech from good to great!”
“We are privileged to have Michael Davis of Speaking CPR as one of the Speaker Coaches for ourTED x Cincinnatievent. I had the opportunity to be on several of the calls with Michael as he worked his craft with his speakers.I was impressed with howgenuine, exuberant, and in touchhe was with each speaker.
He truly has agift in connecting with the heart of each personhe works with and helping them to unleash their story into their talk.All of the speakersraved about his work with them.Each of them has had broad experience in speaking, but they all felt that working with Michael raised the bar on their ability to speak. You can listen to all of his speakers, Anthony Munoz, Richard Bernstein and Graeme Joffe, at http://www.tedxcincinnati.com/talks/.”
Allison Wonders Gars Speaker Coach Manager, TED x Cincinnati
Speaking CPR
5
2018-03-20T17:08:04-04:00
Allison Wonders Gars Speaker Coach Manager, TED x Cincinnati
“We are privileged to have Michael Davis of Speaking CPR as one of the Speaker Coaches for our TED x Cincinnati event. I had the opportunity to be on several of the calls with Michael as he worked his craft with his speakers. I was impressed with how genuine, exuberant, and in touch he was with each speaker. He truly has a gift in connecting with the heart of each person he works with and helping them to unleash their story into their talk. All of the speakers raved about his work with them. Each of them has had broad experience in speaking, but they all felt that working with Michael raised the bar on their ability to speak. You can listen to all of his speakers, Anthony Munoz, Richard Bernstein and Graeme Joffe, at http://www.tedxcincinnati.com/talks/.”
“Investing in Michael is one of the best investments I have ever made. I speak on the subject of diversity in the workplace, which can at times be a difficult topic to discuss.
Michael taught me a repeatable process that allows me to create a foundational concept, a logical structure, an opening that grabs the audience’s attention, and a conclusion that encourages my audience to take action that will save them time and money.
I found Michael easy to work with, flexible with his schedule, and a wealth of information about the art of speaking. If you need to improve your presentation or speech, I highly recommend you consider hiring Michael. It is one of the best investments you can make in your own growth.”
Natalie Holder Founder, QUEST Diversity
Speaking CPR
5
2018-03-20T17:33:18-04:00
Natalie Holder Founder, QUEST Diversity
“Investing in Michael is one of the best investments I have ever made. I speak on the subject of diversity in the workplace, which can at times be a difficult topic to discuss. Michael taught me a repeatable process that allows me to create a foundational concept, a logical structure, an opening that grabs the audience’s attention, and a conclusion that encourages my audience to take action that will save them time and money. I found Michael easy to work with, flexible with his schedule, and a wealth of information about the art of speaking. If you need to improve your presentation or speech, I highly recommend you consider hiring Michael. It is one of the best investments you can make in your own growth.”