Use your face to tell your story

Speaking Lesson From a Hollywood Legend

Would you invest nearly 2 hours to watch a movie with one character, stranded in the ocean, with less than two dozen words of total dialogue?

And, how could that possibly improve your speaking?

I thought the movie had a ridiculous premise. But, against my better judgment, I watched ‘All is Lost,’ starring Robert Redford.

Wow, was I ever wrong!

This is a powerful experience that should be studied by anyone who wants to improve speaking skills.  While it is a testament to the power of resilience and persistence, it’s also a textbook example of how non-verbal communication can convey emotions and tell a story.  It supports the concept that in speaking, ‘less is more.’

Re-focus on your most powerful delivery tool

The importance of non-verbals was reiterated to me recently by my friend, World Champion speaker Darren LaCroix.  He taught me that “most speakers spend far too much time worrying about body language and gestures. They don’t focus enough on the messages conveyed by their faces.

To Darren’s point, your body will naturally gesture when you are telling your story authentically.

Your face can convey emotions and insight into characters and situations that words cannot. Most speakers ignore this.

Why use a string of sentences to tell an audience you’re happy, sad, or angry, when you can express those emotions with your face?

Create a You-Are-There Experience

An additional benefit to using your face is that it makes your audience feel as if they are in your scenes, that they’re part of your story.

That is the power that Robert Redford brings to ‘All is Lost.’  The story is of a nameless man, trapped at sea. He faces one challenge after another. And, he needs every bit of ingenuity he can muster to survive.

In every situation, his face conveys his emotions – concern, frustration, fear, anger, exasperation, helplessness, and hope, among many others.

Additionally, you are able to discern the type of man he is through his resourcefulness.  He makes the situation seem plausible, and you are with him emotionally from start to finish.

A Lesson Worth Learning

I encourage you to study this film.  Watch each scene for shifts in his expressions that tell you what he is feeling in that moment.

Then, go back to a story you are working on.  Look for either dialogue or scene descriptions that can be substituted with facial emotions.

It takes practice, but you will begin to connect with your audience on a deeper level because rather than being talked at, they’ll feel you’re with them, taking them along on your journey.

In deference to my friend Darren, whose mantra is ‘Stage Time, Stage Time, Stage Time,’ I leave you with this suggestion… ‘Face Time, Face Time, Face Time.’

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

‘Storytelling Made Easy’

Harness The Power of Hollywood Storytelling Magic

Imagine if every time you gave a speech, made a sales presentation, or led a meeting, you could instantly motivate and inspire others to take action.

You can – by telling more powerful success stories.

Renowned Hollywood script consultant and story expert Michael Hauge offers you the secrets of Hollywood storytelling magic. By following his simple Six Step Success Story™ formula, you’ll be able to attract more clients and buyers by giving them their own emotional experience of success and achievement.

Read this book and you will:

=> Eliminate the fear, frustration, and overwhelmed feeling that can accompany the thought of writing or telling stories

=> Select the type of story best suited to your product or service  

=> Incorporate the six steps of every successful success story 

=> Easily develop a simple, entertaining, and persuasive writing style that is uniquely yours

=> Master the principles of great storytelling within a variety of arenas: speeches, sales pitches, company meetings, e-mails, videos, podcasts and testimonials

=> Deliver your message clearly, emotionally and powerful 

   => And more

With this groundbreaking new book, you’ll not only attract more clients and customers and multiply your revenue; you’ll move your audiences and readers toward more connected and fulfilling lives. To pick up your copy, click here