Booher BanterBusiness Communication Consultant

The newswires are a buzz today with Letterman’s confessions last night to his studio audience about his sexual indecretions with staffers on his show. He opened the atypical serious monologue with this lead in:  “Do you wanna hear a story?”

The audience bit with the usual lighthearted anticipation, thinking he was about to launch into some hilarious tale. As he plotted through the details of the extortion scheme, audience members laughed here and there at inappropriate spots, still not understanding the import of the revelation he was making.

So, what does their reaction have to do with your storytelling and next presentation? Take a cue from Letterman’s delivery and set up your anecdotes and illustrations properly.

Here are a few guidelines:

• Make your lead-in a teaser that intrigues and creates a “tell me more” feeling. Example:  “Honesty may not always be the best policy. Case in point: Yesterday…”
• Never blow the punchline. Instead set the scene, fill in the details, then deliver the punchline—whether funny, serious, or dramatic.
• Never tell your listener how to think or feel. You may disappoint them or cause them to argue. Examples: “You’re gonna love this story.” “The funniest thing happened to me last week.”

Letterman’s lead in, however, may be the least of his worries at this point. In any case, I’m assuming you’ll be communicating about less personal matters and want to present your ideas in such a way that the audience responds appropriately.

Share and Enjoy

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Posted at 3:43pm in Communication—Oral, General Communication | Permalink | Add Comment » |