It is hard to believe that there are still presenters who will start their presentation with, "Thank you. I am so pleased to be here,” or they tell a joke that bears no relationship to their topic. Much stronger is the presenter who has developed strong and effective "Signature Stories.”

What Is a "Signature Story?” A "Signature Story” belongs to you. It can be a personal story about your own experience or experiences. It can be a story about someone else's experience. It can be an original story that embraces the topic and/or points of your presentation. Or, it can also be a traditional story or fairy/folk tale that has been updated to fit your presentation. I have used all, and with proper preparation, they have all worked to my benefit.

Why Use "Signature Stories?” Remembering that our "Signature Stories” need to be riveting and topnotch, we will find that as long as we make them unique and "our own,” our listeners will react to us and our stories. Good stories are easily internalized, so we as listeners will be able to think back and remember the points made in the presentation. I also enjoy hearing a good story again and again. I remember and love re-hearing Zig Ziglar's cafeteria story, Jim Rohn's Girl Scout cookie story, and Stephen Covey's use of the traditional "Golden Goose” story.

Developing the Personal "Signature Story”

The advantage of developing and using your own personal story is that it happened to you. That doesn't mean that it doesn't seem plausible and even bring to mind similar stories that your listeners have experienced -- this is even better, because they will relate more to you and your topic. It is OK to embellish a bit, but my warning here is to share your struggles rather than your triumphs. People like to hear about times when you are the

"bug” rather than the "windshield.” Don't be afraid to expose some of your weaknesses or fears. I have a story that everyone loves called "Bat in the Bathroom.” It gets lots of laughs and many of my listeners rush up after my presentation to share similar challenges with nature's creatures. One other caveat about personal "Signature Stories” is that you are not using them for your own therapy. I have heard speakers who think they are touching the hearts of their audience, when they are actually making them uncomfortable. I tell a positive story about my son's bout with cancer, but it took me several years before I could tell it without crying. Once I had control and started to tell it -- it is called, "I Believe in Miracles” -- I have had many relatives of cancer patients thank me for sharing it.

So, get busy and develop your "Signature Story.” You will be amazed by the presentation power of using it.

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