We all need to speak in public at one time or another.  Weather it is a presentation at a company meeting, a workshop we have to give to a small group, a presentation to a larger group, or other type of public speaking, one of the easiest way to connect with our audience is through a story.

The easiest way to connect with our audience is through a story that reveals a failure or success that we experienced.  Often our audience is more interested, and entertained, by our struggles than by our successes.  They also want to know how we overcome the difficulties that we encountered. 

Often speakers come accross as some supermen/women.  To relate most to our audience, tell a story that shows them that you are just like them and you are experiencing similar challenges.  Then, of course, your audience will be eager to hear how you overcame that situation.

So next time you give a speech in public, start with a story instead of jumping into some PowerPoint bulletted presentation.  To make it more interesting, don't finish your story, but rather go into the meet of your presentation, then close your presentation by reminding your audience about your opening story and close with a "bang!" by giving the moral or the solution/closure to the story.

Just think back at the speeches that you've heard.  Didnt' you find stories entertaining and engaging?  So why not use them in your presentations?

Good luck!