Speak Like a Great Movie to Pique Their Curiosity

Consider these greatย movie scenes:

Indiana Jones outrunning a huge rolling boulder.

Titanic sinking to the ocean floor.

E.T.ย escapingย evil government agents.

These scenesย have one common threadโ€ฆ they create curiosity.ย 

You probably assumed Indy would escape the boulder, but how?

You knew the Titanic would sink, but, who would survive?

If E.T. escaped, would heย get home?

One reason these are great movies

Speak Like a Movie to Create Curiosity

Create curiosity when you speak to keep audience interest and attention

They create tension, and buildย that curiosity.

Audiences want to be entertained more than ever. Like these movies, you can create ‘edge of their seatsโ€™ curiosity when you speak. This will leave audiences wanting more.

A common mistake by speakers is giving away the end of their stories too soon. This destroys suspense, and audience interest.

Discounting an Old Speaking Adage

Aย commonly held belief among speakers has been: โ€Tell โ€˜em what youโ€™re gonna tell โ€˜em;ย  tell โ€˜em; ย then tell โ€™em what you just told โ€˜em.โ€ย 

This is bad advice for storytelling. If the audience knows whatโ€™s coming, they may mentally check out of your presentation.

Imagine if, at the beginning of Titanic, 100 year-old Rose said, โ€œThat was quite an experience being on the Titanic.ย  Jack was such a wonderful man.ย  Oh, I wish he wouldnโ€™t have died that night.” ย 

What??

Jack dies?

Bummer.

So much for that movie.. whatโ€™s for dinner?

Having been told the outcome ahead of time, do you care to watch?

Perhaps.

Will you be emotionally involved?

No.ย Youย know how it ends.

Donโ€™t do this to your audience.ย  Build theirย curiosity by giving hints, or small details, but wait until the last possible moment to answer their curiosity.

It’s important to note that if you create these questions in the minds of your audience, youย mustย eventually answer them. If people invest their emotions into your stories, relieve their tension before they walk away from your presentation. Otherwise, they will be unhappy.

Think of it this way: Imagine you’re watching the Super Bowl, or your favorite sporting event. It’s an exciting contest, all the way until the last few seconds. Without warning, all power to your house is lost – no TV, no radio, no internet.

What happened!?

Who won!?

Imagine the frustration you’d feel if you had to wait a long time for the answer.

Don’t do this to your audience.

Want to keep audience attention, and have them on the edge of their seat? Build the tension – create curiosity – and when the time is right, give them the answer. Do this, and you’ll create an experience they’ll remember long after they hear you speak.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Improve Your Speaking With 'The Business of Story' podcast

‘The Business of Story’ podcast

The podcast โ€˜The Business of Storyโ€™ by Park Howell. Park interviews a wide range of storytelling experts. They who offer valuable tips, processes and strategies. Their unique perspectives will expand your understanding of stories.
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Park is an excellent interviewer. His down-to-earth style encourages a free and open dialogue with his guests.
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Check out โ€˜The Business of Storyโ€™ on iTunes or Google BusinessOfStory.com

Speak to Create Curiosity ultima modifica: 2011-10-14T16:36:26-04:00 da Michael Davis