How to Reward Your Audience

Give Your Audience the Payoff They’re Waiting For

In previous posts, you’ve read about Michael Hauge’s storytelling process. His format enables you to create a bond with your 

To recap, here are his first four steps:

1. Setup the circumstances

2. Put your main character in a Crisis situation

3. Show us the character’s Pursuit of a new goal

4. Highlight the Conflict that person experiences while pursuing that objective

Now it’s time to reward the audience for joining you on the ride.

The Victory Your Audience Seeks

Show them the Climax of your story. As Michael says, “This is the victory your hero has been striving for. The moment the final obstacle is overcome and the finish line is crossed.”

In previous posts, I’ve written about my experience driving a real race car. My goal was to drive fast and pass other cars. I battled my own fears and concerns about driving fast. Halfway through, I  felt that I’d made a mistake and would regret the experience. Then something unexpected happened.

A voice came through my earpiece. “You’re doing great, Michael. You’re driving the way we taught you. Now it’s time to go fast!”

Up to that point, I thought I was doing everything wrong. The steering wheel was violently vibrating. All the other cars were whizzing by me. I was sure I had missed some important instructions during the orientation.

The voice in my earpiece appeared right when I needed it. It had such a calm and confident demeanor that I immediately felt better. He saw the bigger picture. I was using the right technique. I just needed to push down on the pedal and go faster.

So, I did. And within seconds, I was driving faster.  Much faster. The ride got smoother.  And within one lap, I passed two cars.

Goal achieved!

Why Audiences Want to See The Win

When I share this story, I feel the connection with the audience. This is what they want to see – the main character overcoming his struggle to succeed.

I see the same reaction when I tell the story of my client, Patti. She overcome her frustrations and fears when she gave her most important speech. The audience loved her.

Why do audiences need to see this part of the story? 

Because they’ve created what speaker Patricia Fripp calls ‘a rooting interest.’

If they can relate to the character, they want that person to succeed. It’s as if they are also accomplishing the goal.

As you create your story, be sure to give the audience the payoff they’ve been waiting for. Show the victory your main character has been striving for.

Once you’ve shared that part of the story, you’re ready to show the audience the most often overlooked part. And you’ll discover that critical piece next week.

Recommended Resource

‘THE Book on Storytelling’

Want to tell business stories that give you an edge, make you stand out, and increase your chances of getting the business?

This step-by-step guide shows you how to craft and deliver stories that:

• Increase your confidence
• Attract more qualified clients
• Inspire others to act on your message
• Create deeper levels of trust, in less time
• Have more fun when you give presentations

Discover how the best speakers, storytellers and leaders develop and deliver stories that immediately grab audience attention, keep them on the edge of their seats, and inspire them to act on your message.

2000 World Champion of Public Speaking, Ed Tate, CSP says: “This book is outstanding! It will be my new #1 storytelling resource.”

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