New York is the city that never sleeps, so why slow down this summer? Get a head start on your fall projects, business events, or startup launch by brushing up on some useful skills. Storytelling for Entrepreneurs: Presentations to Elevator Pitches is a great place to start.
In this class, you’ll learn how to utilize storytelling techniques in business settings. You’ll begin with the three types of business stories and learn tips for telling them effectively. Relaxation techniques will be taught to help improve your ability to perform. We’ll also cover ways to become a better listener, and much more.
This workshop is available now throughout the summer at General Assembly.
There is no success without a story. Sign up to reserve your spot today!
Not all elevator pitches are created equal. You may think you’ve got a can’t miss pitch, but if you can’t explain your idea in a compelling and interesting way, your message may get lost in translation. In this class, you’ll learn how to utilize storytelling techniques in business settings. You’ll begin with the three types of business stories, then learn tips for telling them effectively, relaxation techniques for performing them, ways to become a better listener, and much more.
Takeaways
Learn tips for uncovering stories in everyday life.
Discover ways to make your story more persuasive.
Find out how to use stories in pitches, presentations, and meetings.
Learn ways to incorporate stories into mission statements and product launches.
Prereqs & Preparation
No prerequisites. Students should bring a pen and paper to complete the handouts and assignments.
Not in Chicago? Can’t make it to this workshop? Click here for an up-to-date list of upcoming classes and events
When I was a senior in college, I gave a presentation on a term paper I’d written. The professor called me up and I started gushing about my findings, moving from slide to slide and furiously writing notes on the blackboard. After ten minutes, I was out of breath. I put down the chalk, smiled, and looked out at the class.
“Any questions?” I said.
One student in the back was doodling in his notebook. A student in the middle was tracing his hand. Another student was completely asleep.
The professor smiled and told me that I did a good job, but as soon as I sat down I felt like Ben Stein in the clip below.
Has this ever happened to you? If so, it’s time to make your presentation more relatable.
Here are three rules to follow to make your stories and presentations more enjoyable and personal. I can’t guarantee that people won’t fall asleep, but at least they won’t do it because of you.
1. Edit. Cut out useless adjectives, complicated nouns and superfluous explanations. Your audience is smart, so treat them with the respect and intelligence they deserve. They’ll do the same for you in return.
2. Have a Destination. All good stories and presentations need a destination. If it seems like you don’t know where you’re going, people will lose interest.
3. Know Your Audience. If your audience is expecting a talk about politics and you tell them about how you hate golf, people will be confused and upset. Unless, of course your story is about playing golf with a politician. Be a savvy presenter.
Follow these simple rules and you’ll never have to ask, “Anyone, Anyone?” again.*
*Unless you’re doing a Ben Stein impression. In that case, go crazy with it.
![By Daniel Schwen (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://andrewlinderman.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/nyc_wideangle_south_from_top_of_the_rock.jpg)
ANDREW LINDERMAN 