We often shy away from difficult conversations because we don’t know how to phrase them in such a way that it generates a win-win result. But if you don’t address the elephant in the room, the situation could escalate to the point where there is no chance of repairing the situation or relationship.
Persuasive speaking skills can be learned. One of the most effective techniques to use is to tell a story. Here’s an example:-
Use storytelling to get your message across…..
John Tonkin was the Premier of Western Australia many years ago. Prior to entering politics, he was a school headmaster. He told me a story once that has stayed with me for years. Whenever he had an irate parent come to see him, they always went for a walk around the school. He said the anger diminished rapidly and the conversations were nearly always amicable by the end. He set up an atmosphere of “let’s talk about this” rather than “you’re wrong and I’m right”. It’s one of the reasons they say so much business gets done on the golf course. Or if you’re stuck inside, the corridor.
If you have a situation you need to de-escalate, would you now consider going for a walk outside? Walk and talk meetings are very effective for minimising conflict and improving any type of relationship, personal or business.
Or would you choose to sit at a desk in a stuffy office with restricted views (or worse, no view of outside at all) where both parties feel trapped? Of course, you wouldn’t, because the story gave a very clear example of how it can work, and it’s relatable. All in 33 seconds.
Getting your message across without a story to back it up won’t be as clear or convincing.
Consider adding in a story like this to help get your point across into your Rostrum Persuasive Speaking competition speech.
The topics listed in your email may not necessarily be your cup of tea, but practising on alternate topics is often the best way to learn persuasive speaking skills. We join Rostrum so we can gain confidence in any situation, the good, the bad and the ugly.
You never know when you’ll need to draw on these skills in real life. Will you be ready when the situation presents itself?
At Rostrum, you’ll learn persuasive speaking techniques along with other public speaking skills. Rostrum provides a safe platform for you to practice your public speaking, and to gain confidence in any situation. To visit or join a club, go to ‘Find a Club’ at rostrumwa.com.au/clubs/
