July 2008 Chapter Meeting

The Power of Stories to Inspire Learning

Have you ever attended a program and either been lulled to sleep (missing part of the presentation) or wanted to run screaming from the room (no longer caring if you miss it)?

Many programs are stale, lifeless, and deadening from beginning to end with maybe a few short bursts of inspiration here and there. Trainers often mistakenly assume that their audiences are there just because of interest in the topic, content, and speaker expertise – and that delivery style doesn't matter.

Au contraire!

We trainers must appeal to audiences on both the emotional and the intellectual levels in order to inspire listening and learning that lasts. How can we do that? Through personal stories. Our audiences are inspired by passion – more so than logic. Adding stories to the mix can be easy, engaging, energizing, and educational. Stories make principles and concepts come alive and reveal creative applications in the real world. Stories enhance the experience and make it memorable. Stories stimulate creativity and passion for the possibilities.

As a trainer, do you have a hard time getting started? Or ending? Bog down in the middle? Do you feel like just a talking head? Do you want to stimulate more audience interaction and “Aha!”s? It's important to start strong, end strong, and keep ‘em along - on the whole journey. You will make a tremendous difference if you can highlight the drama of our everyday life and work - through a well-crafted story!

In this interactive, experiential session, you will:

• Understand the importance of stories in training.
• Identify elements of a good story and storyteller.
• Increase your awareness how to choose and when to use stories.
• Learn how to excavate your own experiences to unearth material for stories.
• Choose at least one short personal story you can use in your trainings.
• Develop your story around your message.
• Practice telling your story to others and bringing it to life!
• Discover and release your inner creative genius!

About the Presenter

Sandy Bjorgen trains business people to think and speak under pressure. She is the owner of IMPROV-able Results™ , specializing in improv-based communication training. She is President of the National Speakers Association's Northwest chapter and a Certified Professional Coach with an MA in psychology and a BA in English and education. Sandy has over 20 years combined experience as a trainer, coach, facilitator, actor, speaker, manager, salesperson, counselor, and educator.

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Tuesday, July 15
Registration, check-in and networking from 7:30 - 8:00 am
Presentation from 8:00 - 9:15 am

Mercer Island Community Center

Register!

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