Talk in Stories (Part 1) – Persuasive Speaking

First – make your memorable opening remark and; Second - lay out your key point.  Continue by telling as many HEARTFELT stories as possible (depending on time available). Do you want to be a persuasive motivator?  Learn to tell a good story.  Because…

Stories powerfully illustrate a point:  Your audience is wired to remember stories. 

Stories illicit emotion and capture the imagination:  Draw your audience in by touching their senses.

Throughout history, stories (oral traditions) were handed down from generation to generation.  They were important as they pass down concepts, culture and beliefs.  That is one of many reasons Jesus talked in stories (parables) - they are easily remembered yet profound.

Many Christians don’t realize that the four Gospels were written nearly 30 years after Jesus was resurrected.  The original disciples were dying and the Christian community feared that Jesus’ stories and concepts would be lost.  So, four writers were commissioned to compose from memory the accounts of Jesus’ time on earth 30 years after Jesus spoke them!

It’s interesting that over 25% of the four Gospels record Jesus’ STORIES compared to his other teachings and interactions.  The writers traveled with Jesus for years and His stories made the deepest impression. 

Stories mobilize your audience to act:  Stories can change how your audience thinks, acts and feels.

Here is one “story” Jesus spoke in summary form. (Read the entire account in Lk 15:11-32).  A father gives the younger of his two sons his inheritance before his death.  The younger son, after wasting his fortune goes hungry.  He then repents and returns home, where the father holds a feast to celebrate his return. The older son resents this preferential treatment. His father reminds the older son that everything the father has is the older son's, but that they should still celebrate the return of the younger son.

Click here for a video telling the story of Prodigal Son

The Parable of the Prodigal Son has many applications (you choose which one depending on your presentation) – rebellion, arrogance, selfishness, patience, forgiveness, repentance, acceptance, resentment, or God’s forgiveness or patience.

Bottom Line:  One Story Can Changes Lives