Great research on storytelling

Shawn really knows stories. Check out this fantastic blog post about why we love Kevin Hart and Brene Brown so much.

 Worth a read.

Do I gesture too much?

In our workshops we are often asked about gestures. Our clients are afraid that they gesture "too much." In all our years of training, we have never seen anyone who gestures too broadly or too much. Most of us don't use enough gestures. We keep ourselves locked up with hands clasped in front, or in our pockets, or folded. Using large gestures is a fantastic addition to any presentation. Even gesturing online is helpful to keep energies up. 

When gesturing, stay relaxed and use your hands to convey your thoughts. You really don't need to think much about gesturing. Just let yourself be free, and a bit playful. Gestures become problems when we try to figure them out in advance and they are scripted and unnatural. Overusing a particular gesture should also be avoided. (Over the years SNL has poked fun at this issue when characters overdo the air quotes gesture.) 

 © 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Tips for Powerful Online Presentations

Recent research (Graziadio Business Review) confirms and can remind us of methods to keep our online meetings powerful. 

1. When working in a group larger than 5, create structures that allow simultaneous sharing -- use typing in chat or on a white board to keep everyone engaged and involved. 

2. When creating large amounts of data, allow time for the group to sort through the material, create categories and more deeply engage and process. 

3. Synchronous meetings are perfect for brainstorming and problem-solving together, but use asynchronous boards to update teams in different time zones. 

4. Create a rule of "no multi-tasking" during online meetings. Researchers call this "dual-task interference." This may be tough to initiate but checking texts or emails while "listening" doesn't work. Establishing a cultural expectation for remote workers to join via video conference, rather than merely voice calls, may decrease dual-task interference. Using interactive tools (phone, chat, white board) and a facilitator who asks great questions can also ensure our group's attention. Groups will be amazed by the power of a single focus. It is not only less stressful but

true learning and engagement are only possible if we stop trying to multi-task. Once a group trusts that the online meeting isn't a waste of their time, they will comply with the "be fully present" rule. Then we all reap the benefits -- powerful (and even fun) meetings.

 Also remember -- Avoid "data dump" meetings online. Keep online (and even live meetings) reserved for creating new ideas or solving problems.

Facilitation: The Secret of the Starting Question-Michael Wilkinson

This is a very helpful video, not just for facilitators, but for every speaker who wants to create a lively, interactive event.  The "visualization type" question is also related to storytelling.  It could help bring forward a story in the listener's mind, which is also very useful.