The essentials of storytelling remain the same regardless of where you are using storytelling.
I often get requests via Email or telephone that are similar to something like this:
"I work in the (fill-in-the-blank) industry. Can you teach storytelling to my staff in my (fill-in-the-blank) industry?"
The answer is always yes. The essentials of "how to tell a story" do not change regardless of the industry in which you want to use storytelling. You name it: health care, education, politics, nonprofit, business, marketing, entertainment, sacred- the essentials of storytelling remain the same. I've taught storytelling in those niches and even in some more unusual niches, such as the mining industry. That's right, some people who dig deep into the earth learned storytelling for their work from me.
In any setting, these 5 essentials of story always apply:
1. You must be audience focused.
Before you speak to any group, you need to know what they need from you. Simply repeating the same stories over and over again for different audiences is self-indulgent. Although I may use some of the same stories from group to group, how I tell the story and which parts of the story I tell changes with each audience. There is no such thing as canned storytelling.
2. All storytelling must use the components of beginning, middle and end.
A story must start somewhere. The story then has tension or issue in the middle. At the end of the story, there is some type of finality or resolution. An anecdote may have just one or two of those parts. A mix of storytelling and anecdote may be what your audience needs to hear. Remember, an anecdote is a moment in time. A story is a complete experience.
3. All stories must be broken into episodes.
In any industry, your stories should not be viewed as a one-perspective masterpiece but rather as an image that changes based on where the audience sheds their light. Break your story into episodes, determine which episodes are the "core story" and then add or subtract the other episodes as needed. Life looks different at dawn than it does at noon- both in reality and in metaphor.
4. You need to use good public-speaking mechanics.
Whenever you speak, you need to be heard. You need to know what to do with your hands and gestures. You need to enunciate. A good storytelling coach can help you master your storytelling techniques and your presence.
5. You need to blend personal and world-tales together.
In many industries, an audience grows weary of too many self-referential tales. They also might doubt your professional experience if all your stories are "once upon a time" folktales. Work to make your presentations a blend of stories form multiple sources.
Storytelling helps you to achieve your goals in all industries, markets and businesses. Use storytelling to advance the work of the industry of which you are a part. As a storytelling coach, I have helped many people go past story theory to the fun and effectiveness of successfully telling stories. Let me know if I can assist you.
*******
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach. ©2010 Sean Buvala
Showing posts with label workshop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label workshop. Show all posts
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Marketing Worskhop: Video Endorsement
Our next marketing workshop is on May 15, 2010 in Vista (San Diego), California. Registration deadline is May 1. See the website at http://www.outsideinstorytelling.com.My thanks to Mark Goldman for this video.
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Tweens & Teens: Listen or Tolerate?
Just the other day, I had a captive audience. But, this audience kept talking back to me as I was telling stories. They had something to say about nearly everything as I spoke. They laughed, too, even at the parts I didn't make "funny."
Was this a rude audience? No! It was a school room filled with junior-high teens (13/14 year olds) and doing exactly what they should do when they listen to stories. I will share with you one of the most important things that I have learned: a quiet classroom of teenagers usually means they are not listening to you. Instead, they are just tolerating you and your presentation.
I have been telling stories to teens and tweens for more than two decades, even before the word "tween" existed. I will just be using the term "teens" for the rest of this article, but know that I am taking about kids between the ages of 11 and 18 specifically. Here are three quick tips for you whenever you are speaking to this age group:
1. Tell Your Face.
When you enter a classroom of teens, do you look like you are going to have a good time? Do you plan on enjoying the next hour or so? Does your face know it? Save the "professional" face for the staid adult events when you have to pretend to impress someone with your history. When telling to teens, smile and enjoy yourself. Mingle with them as they arrive in the classroom. Respond to even the most casual comments made to you before the event.
2. Build Your History.
With an adult audience, I could partially rely on my list of accomplishments, travels and years of speaking experience to get their attention. Or at least get them to quietly applaud. With teens, these histories mean nothing. Your PhD, your 100 years of experience are not something their 13 years of life experience can process. You have to earn the right to be heard. Speak with energy and genuine enthusiasm and be transparent about your purpose. Kids base their evaluation of you based on their (or their immediate peers') direct experience of you.
3. Encourage Response.
Especially in the area of storytelling, I want my audience to build the presentation with me. When teens enjoy you and your work, they will respond to what you are saying and doing. Often this begins with a silly comment or random shout-out designed to call attention to themselves. When you respect and use this initial comment and incorporate it into the story or presentation, you will begin to get comments from the audience that are relevant to what you are saying, not just self-referential remarks from your young audience. Think of these shout-outs as logs to toss on the fire you are building.
When the teens have enjoyed your presentation, they will tell their friends. You would be amazed how fast word can travel in a school. In the few minutes between classes this week, the first group had told the second group how much fun my presentation was. That type of word-of-mouth is invaluable with teens.
At the end of the sessions, a group of girls was standing in a huddle and giggling, scribbling something on a notebook. Finally, the artist approached me and handed me the "portrait" she had done of me (attached to this article over on the left) and said, "Thanks for coming to our school today. We really had a lot of fun."
Working with teens can be rewarding and is a good opportunity to make a difference in the world. Besides, pencil drawing can be among your highest compliments.
***********
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Learn Business Presentation Skills at our "Intro" Workshop 09/09/09
We are offering our "Intro to Business Storytelling Workshop" on Wednesday, September 9, 2009. We meet at 9:00AM for about two hours. We will be meeting in Avondale, AZ.
Who should attend? We welcome nonprofit leaders, business management, small-business owners, entrepreneurs, anyone involved in any type of leadership or business communications.
This is a REAL WORKSHOP on storytelling techniques for nonprofit and business leaders. It is not a two-hour sales pitch. You will walk out of the workshop with at least one new, use-it-today skill in narrative communication, probably more. You will learn from Master Storyteller Sean Buvala, a storytelling trainer, of www.seantells.net.
This first "come and see" workshop has a token fee. Sean normally gets a good consulting fee to teach this material, so you why not take advantage of this chance to get some professional training from an experienced storytelling consultant for business and nonprofit organizations.
Come learn with us!
You must preregister for this workshop.
Cost:
$39 per person, pre-registered with this form.
Includes workshop, supplies and continental breakfast.
Location:
Homewood Suites, Avondale, AZ
11450 W Hilton Way, Avondale Arizona
(Avondale Blvd (115th Avenue) just south of the I-10 Freeway.)
Time:
9:00 AM on September 9, 2009. We will be finished before noon.
Please register at this link here.
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Who should attend? We welcome nonprofit leaders, business management, small-business owners, entrepreneurs, anyone involved in any type of leadership or business communications.
This is a REAL WORKSHOP on storytelling techniques for nonprofit and business leaders. It is not a two-hour sales pitch. You will walk out of the workshop with at least one new, use-it-today skill in narrative communication, probably more. You will learn from Master Storyteller Sean Buvala, a storytelling trainer, of www.seantells.net.
This first "come and see" workshop has a token fee. Sean normally gets a good consulting fee to teach this material, so you why not take advantage of this chance to get some professional training from an experienced storytelling consultant for business and nonprofit organizations.
Come learn with us!
You must preregister for this workshop.
Cost:
$39 per person, pre-registered with this form.
Includes workshop, supplies and continental breakfast.
Location:
Homewood Suites, Avondale, AZ
11450 W Hilton Way, Avondale Arizona
(Avondale Blvd (115th Avenue) just south of the I-10 Freeway.)
Time:
9:00 AM on September 9, 2009. We will be finished before noon.
Please register at this link here.
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Free Telecourse: Using Social Media to Market Your Performing Arts
Monday, August 17, 2009
MyTweetLinkBookNing: Sorting Out Social Media for Working Artists
"Should I be on (fill in name of social media)?" is a frequently asked question during coaching sessions with Sean Buvala. In this free telecourse, Sean will look at the various popular social media services such as Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, Facebook and Ning in light of their advantages and disadvantages for working performing artists. When we are done, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the place of these types of services in your marketing plan.
Monday, August 17, 2009
3PM Pacific (U.S.) / 6PM Eastern (U.S.)
Be sure to double check where YOUR time zone falls between those two! If you are unsure, use this link to find a city near you in the same time zone.
Time zones listed are U.S standards. Participants in our telecourses come from all over the world. Everyone is welcome. Check the link above to find a city near you in your country.
To register, please visit Storyteller.net at this link now.
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
MyTweetLinkBookNing: Sorting Out Social Media for Working Artists
"Should I be on (fill in name of social media)?" is a frequently asked question during coaching sessions with Sean Buvala. In this free telecourse, Sean will look at the various popular social media services such as Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, Facebook and Ning in light of their advantages and disadvantages for working performing artists. When we are done, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the place of these types of services in your marketing plan.
Monday, August 17, 2009
3PM Pacific (U.S.) / 6PM Eastern (U.S.)
Be sure to double check where YOUR time zone falls between those two! If you are unsure, use this link to find a city near you in the same time zone.
Time zones listed are U.S standards. Participants in our telecourses come from all over the world. Everyone is welcome. Check the link above to find a city near you in your country.
To register, please visit Storyteller.net at this link now.
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Performing Artists' Open Conference, August 2009 in Arizona
From Storyteller.net:
We are happy to tell you that we will be hosting the First Performing Artists' Open Conference this year in the Phoenix, AZ area.
The Performing Artists' Open Conference (PAOC): The Convention We Create Together.
2009 THEME: "We Create Together"
What is an Open Conference?
Although there are many definitions, an open conference is created by the participants. There are no stars or featured speakers. Rather, our open conference, much like the unconference idea, has workshops, performances and activities planned by the participants. If you wish, you can "throw your hat into the ring" and submit a proposal. Unlike most conferences, this PAOC does not have a committee to decide which proposals get accepted and which do not. Instead, all participants, on the first night, vote on which workshops they would like to participate in. From this vote, the rest of the conference is laid out and you'll be free to attend the workshops you would like when they are available during the weekend.
YOU could be a presenter. You will need to bring your creativity, your freshest ideas, your "best game" to this event and use your best presentation skills. Your workshop proposal might or might not be accepted by the group, who knows? Regardless, you are sure to hear other workshops that inform you of new ideas and topics in regards to the performing arts. To see the workshop guidelines, please click this link now.
There are only a few organized, large group events at the PAOC. Of course, there's the voting process on Friday. Lunch is provided each day. There is a concert of performing artists on the second night, with slots filled by names drawn by lottery from the participants who want to perform. Finally, on the last day, we will hold a large group "what did you learn and hear" process to share insights and challenges.
The PAOC is not for everybody. If you want to hear ideas that might not be getting "play" at the large conferences, then this event is for you. If you enjoy spontaneous creation and discussion of the arts with others, then come to the PAOC. If you need high levels of control and no surprises, then the PAOC will not be a good choice for you. If you can laugh and enjoy the company of other artists regardless of who is chosen to present, then we would love to have you. If you can enjoy the creative use of the conference space and are flexible, then you are going to enjoy your time at the PAOC. Without the long "juried workshops" process of other conferences, you might hear some brilliant speakers and presenters or you might not.
ANYONE can submit a proposal for a workshop. You must register for the workshop to submit a form. And if your workshop/performance/event is not selected, there is no refund of fees. Come with a thick skin, a sense of humor and just stay and enjoy your time with the other presentations and new friends you are going to meet.
Most of the workshops will be recorded in some format and these recordings will be made available at no charge on our website. You are also encouraged to "blog" and Twitter the conference as we go along.
WHEN
The Performing Artists' Open Conference
Friday 5PM through Sunday 430PM
August 21-23, 2009
WHERE
Comfort Suites Hotel and Conference Center
Goodyear, AZ (Phoenix AZ)
The conference location is easy to access from the greater Phoenix area and is about 25 miles away from the PHX airport. It's easy and convenient to get to this location. In addition, there are a number of dining and shopping options within easy walking distance.
SPECIAL: The Comfort Suites is extending a special discounted room
rate of $79 per night (plus taxes) for all participants. You must call
the hotel directly and tell them the code "storytellers" to get this discount rate.
WHO
Performing artists of all disciplines, those who love the performing arts, administrators and staff of arts programs, those who want to or do pursue the arts professionally, arts hobbyists, journalists who cover the arts, teachers, librarians and other folks we haven't listed yet. Beginners or veterans. Those who want to present and perform are welcome as are those who just want to participate as audience and workshop members. Come on out to the desert and forge some new understandings.
COST
Your registration includes workshops, two meals, concert,
chance to submit proposal (optional) and a few other surprises.
Registration numbers are capped.
$209 Early Bird Registration by May 30.
$244 Registrations after June 1
$274 Registrations after August 1
Special discounts if registered by May 30:
If you are a member of any of our MasterMind groups or an alumni of any of our previous conferences, please contact Sean at sean@storyteller.net for your costs and deadlines.
Workshop proposals must be received by August 7 to be included in the voting. Register now to avoid missing this deadline. A workshop submission form will be included in your registration packet.
Children and Non-Participants:
This workshop is intended for adults. Young persons between the
ages of 13 and 18 may register as a participant with an attending adult.
There is no registration option for non-participants.
This workshop is presented in part by funding from Storyteller.net.
You may use the Paypal button here to register for the $209 early-bird price. PayPal account is not required. Use your credit card.
Details-
You may contact us at our office at 623.298.4548 or staff@storyteller.net . More information will appear on this website soon.
To register by mail, please make your check payable to "Creation Company" and send to
PO Box 392 Tolleson, AZ 85353.
Thanks!
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
We are happy to tell you that we will be hosting the First Performing Artists' Open Conference this year in the Phoenix, AZ area.
The Performing Artists' Open Conference (PAOC): The Convention We Create Together.
2009 THEME: "We Create Together"
What is an Open Conference?
Although there are many definitions, an open conference is created by the participants. There are no stars or featured speakers. Rather, our open conference, much like the unconference idea, has workshops, performances and activities planned by the participants. If you wish, you can "throw your hat into the ring" and submit a proposal. Unlike most conferences, this PAOC does not have a committee to decide which proposals get accepted and which do not. Instead, all participants, on the first night, vote on which workshops they would like to participate in. From this vote, the rest of the conference is laid out and you'll be free to attend the workshops you would like when they are available during the weekend.
YOU could be a presenter. You will need to bring your creativity, your freshest ideas, your "best game" to this event and use your best presentation skills. Your workshop proposal might or might not be accepted by the group, who knows? Regardless, you are sure to hear other workshops that inform you of new ideas and topics in regards to the performing arts. To see the workshop guidelines, please click this link now.
There are only a few organized, large group events at the PAOC. Of course, there's the voting process on Friday. Lunch is provided each day. There is a concert of performing artists on the second night, with slots filled by names drawn by lottery from the participants who want to perform. Finally, on the last day, we will hold a large group "what did you learn and hear" process to share insights and challenges.
The PAOC is not for everybody. If you want to hear ideas that might not be getting "play" at the large conferences, then this event is for you. If you enjoy spontaneous creation and discussion of the arts with others, then come to the PAOC. If you need high levels of control and no surprises, then the PAOC will not be a good choice for you. If you can laugh and enjoy the company of other artists regardless of who is chosen to present, then we would love to have you. If you can enjoy the creative use of the conference space and are flexible, then you are going to enjoy your time at the PAOC. Without the long "juried workshops" process of other conferences, you might hear some brilliant speakers and presenters or you might not.
ANYONE can submit a proposal for a workshop. You must register for the workshop to submit a form. And if your workshop/performance/event is not selected, there is no refund of fees. Come with a thick skin, a sense of humor and just stay and enjoy your time with the other presentations and new friends you are going to meet.
Most of the workshops will be recorded in some format and these recordings will be made available at no charge on our website. You are also encouraged to "blog" and Twitter the conference as we go along.
WHEN
The Performing Artists' Open Conference
Friday 5PM through Sunday 430PM
August 21-23, 2009
WHERE
Comfort Suites Hotel and Conference Center
Goodyear, AZ (Phoenix AZ)
The conference location is easy to access from the greater Phoenix area and is about 25 miles away from the PHX airport. It's easy and convenient to get to this location. In addition, there are a number of dining and shopping options within easy walking distance.
SPECIAL: The Comfort Suites is extending a special discounted room
rate of $79 per night (plus taxes) for all participants. You must call
the hotel directly and tell them the code "storytellers" to get this discount rate.
WHO
Performing artists of all disciplines, those who love the performing arts, administrators and staff of arts programs, those who want to or do pursue the arts professionally, arts hobbyists, journalists who cover the arts, teachers, librarians and other folks we haven't listed yet. Beginners or veterans. Those who want to present and perform are welcome as are those who just want to participate as audience and workshop members. Come on out to the desert and forge some new understandings.
COST
Your registration includes workshops, two meals, concert,
chance to submit proposal (optional) and a few other surprises.
Registration numbers are capped.
$209 Early Bird Registration by May 30.
$244 Registrations after June 1
$274 Registrations after August 1
Special discounts if registered by May 30:
If you are a member of any of our MasterMind groups or an alumni of any of our previous conferences, please contact Sean at sean@storyteller.net for your costs and deadlines.
Workshop proposals must be received by August 7 to be included in the voting. Register now to avoid missing this deadline. A workshop submission form will be included in your registration packet.
Children and Non-Participants:
This workshop is intended for adults. Young persons between the
ages of 13 and 18 may register as a participant with an attending adult.
There is no registration option for non-participants.
This workshop is presented in part by funding from Storyteller.net.
You may use the Paypal button here to register for the $209 early-bird price. PayPal account is not required. Use your credit card.
Details-
You may contact us at our office at 623.298.4548 or staff@storyteller.net . More information will appear on this website soon.
To register by mail, please make your check payable to "Creation Company" and send to
PO Box 392 Tolleson, AZ 85353.
Thanks!
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Get My Daily Tips On Twitter
At noon (AZ time) every day, Monday through Friday, I post a a storytelling tip or concept. I have to be very succinct to get it to 120 characters. The other 20 characters are take up in the title.
Here's a sample:
Come follow me on Twitter to get these mini ideas. I am having much fun with them. My user name is @storyteller .
Friday, March 06, 2009
Storytelling in Business Podcast: Storytelling is Not a Soft Skill.
The next episode of our "Storytelling and Narrative for Business Podcast" is ready for you!
Episode Four: "Storytelling is Not a 'Soft Skill': Sure Looked Easy"
Sean brings you some tough-love this week to help you understand that storytelling is a "hard skill" for your business. Fail that understanding and things can go bad. Get real coaching and training to sharpen your skills.
Listen in: Episode Four
Find all the podcasts in this series on this page here.
Sponsored by: Executive Speaker Training Workshops.
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Episode Four: "Storytelling is Not a 'Soft Skill': Sure Looked Easy"
Sean brings you some tough-love this week to help you understand that storytelling is a "hard skill" for your business. Fail that understanding and things can go bad. Get real coaching and training to sharpen your skills.
Listen in: Episode Four
Find all the podcasts in this series on this page here.
Sponsored by: Executive Speaker Training Workshops.
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Press Release: "Bobby Jindal's Response Speech Demonstrates Business Storytelling Do's and Don'ts." says National Storytelling Expert.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Avondale, AZ- National storytelling expert and speaking coach, K. Sean Buvala, reviews Bobby Jindal's "Republican Response" speech and offers four public-speaking tips gleaned from the Governor's presentation.
Buvala, the director of the national storytelling resource site at Storyteller.net, says, "Regardless of anyone's political preferences, the Governor's speech illustrates that stories and storytelling can be used in any type of important speech. As a corporate storyteller, I was happy to see yet another national figure make use of story in their presentation. I also think that any person using stories can learn four things from Mr. Jindal's speech."
Use intentional hand gestures. Buvala says, "The Governor uses frequent, choppy hand gestures that are synchronous with the syllables of the words he speaks. It looks as if he is conducting an orchestra or cutting onions to the rhythm of his words. Speakers should plan the gestures that they will use with their stories. These intentional movements can then enhance the stories being told instead of being a distraction."
Be careful when using "Me too" stories. Mr. Buvala continues, "While I appreciate and respect the Governor's family story of struggling immigrants, his narrative immediately following his comments regarding the president's family history both lessens and distracts from the power of the Governor's background story. In order to seem less like a 'me too' attempt at connection, the story might have served better at the end of the story. While it is a good thing that the Governor used stories, the placement of those stories must be carefully considered. "
Use tone and pacing appropriate for your audience. Buvala notes that, "Bobby Jindal's pacing, tone and inflection during his speech reminded me of a school teacher giving a motivational speech to young children rather than a thoughtful reaction intended for thinking adults. The constant head nodding, the sharp intake of breath between sentences and the higher pitch of his speaking took power away from his stories, perhaps making his narratives sound childish. I'd suggest that the Governor concentrate on slowing his pace, intentionally speak with a lower pitch and allow himself to breath deeply by using longer pauses more often.
Use stories to "frame" your presentation. "Finally," says Sean Buvala, "although Mr. Jindal's family history story might have been better placed in the speech, he does refer back to his opening story at the end of his presentation, when speaking again of his father's words. This process, called 'framing,' reminds the listeners of the central point of a talk, giving them a virtual 'frame' in which to see the ideas painted with the speaker's words."
Buvala, who teaches monthly public workshops for business storytelling, knows that stories used in national conversations help unify listening audiences. "Governor Jindal's use of personal stories allows the audience to understand the speaker as a human being rather than just a 'talking head' for an ideology."
For more information about group or private coaching in the art of storytelling for corporate or business use, please contact Sean Buvala via his website at www.seantells.net.
Contact Information:
K. Sean Buvala
www.seantells.net
(623) 298-4548
sean@storyteller.net
PO Box 392
Tolleson AZ 85353
"EXPERT CONSULTANT for the Press, Television and Radio"
Storytelling (both traditional and digital), performing artists, public speaking, corporate training, business coaching, non-profit organizations.
PROMOTIONAL PHOTOS
Promotional photos of Sean Buvala are available for download at:
http://www.seantells.com/seanbuvala_1.jpg
http://www.seantells.com/seanbuvala_2.jpg
http://www.seantells.com/seanbuvala_3.jpg
http://www.storyteller.net/sunwind/smallseanbuvala.jpg
http://www.storyteller.net/sunwind/largeseanbuvala.jpg
###
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
For Immediate Release
Avondale, AZ- National storytelling expert and speaking coach, K. Sean Buvala, reviews Bobby Jindal's "Republican Response" speech and offers four public-speaking tips gleaned from the Governor's presentation.
Buvala, the director of the national storytelling resource site at Storyteller.net, says, "Regardless of anyone's political preferences, the Governor's speech illustrates that stories and storytelling can be used in any type of important speech. As a corporate storyteller, I was happy to see yet another national figure make use of story in their presentation. I also think that any person using stories can learn four things from Mr. Jindal's speech."
Use intentional hand gestures. Buvala says, "The Governor uses frequent, choppy hand gestures that are synchronous with the syllables of the words he speaks. It looks as if he is conducting an orchestra or cutting onions to the rhythm of his words. Speakers should plan the gestures that they will use with their stories. These intentional movements can then enhance the stories being told instead of being a distraction."
Be careful when using "Me too" stories. Mr. Buvala continues, "While I appreciate and respect the Governor's family story of struggling immigrants, his narrative immediately following his comments regarding the president's family history both lessens and distracts from the power of the Governor's background story. In order to seem less like a 'me too' attempt at connection, the story might have served better at the end of the story. While it is a good thing that the Governor used stories, the placement of those stories must be carefully considered. "
Use tone and pacing appropriate for your audience. Buvala notes that, "Bobby Jindal's pacing, tone and inflection during his speech reminded me of a school teacher giving a motivational speech to young children rather than a thoughtful reaction intended for thinking adults. The constant head nodding, the sharp intake of breath between sentences and the higher pitch of his speaking took power away from his stories, perhaps making his narratives sound childish. I'd suggest that the Governor concentrate on slowing his pace, intentionally speak with a lower pitch and allow himself to breath deeply by using longer pauses more often.
Use stories to "frame" your presentation. "Finally," says Sean Buvala, "although Mr. Jindal's family history story might have been better placed in the speech, he does refer back to his opening story at the end of his presentation, when speaking again of his father's words. This process, called 'framing,' reminds the listeners of the central point of a talk, giving them a virtual 'frame' in which to see the ideas painted with the speaker's words."
Buvala, who teaches monthly public workshops for business storytelling, knows that stories used in national conversations help unify listening audiences. "Governor Jindal's use of personal stories allows the audience to understand the speaker as a human being rather than just a 'talking head' for an ideology."
For more information about group or private coaching in the art of storytelling for corporate or business use, please contact Sean Buvala via his website at www.seantells.net.
Contact Information:
K. Sean Buvala
www.seantells.net
(623) 298-4548
sean@storyteller.net
PO Box 392
Tolleson AZ 85353
"EXPERT CONSULTANT for the Press, Television and Radio"
Storytelling (both traditional and digital), performing artists, public speaking, corporate training, business coaching, non-profit organizations.
PROMOTIONAL PHOTOS
Promotional photos of Sean Buvala are available for download at:
http://www.seantells.com/seanbuvala_1.jpg
http://www.seantells.com/seanbuvala_2.jpg
http://www.seantells.com/seanbuvala_3.jpg
http://www.storyteller.net/sunwind/smallseanbuvala.jpg
http://www.storyteller.net/sunwind/largeseanbuvala.jpg
###
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Newest "Storytelling in Business" Podcast
Our next edition of the “Storytelling and Narrative for Business Podcast” is now available. This time around, we respond to a listener's email asking about the use of jokes, anecdotes and stories. Sean discusses the differences between each of these items as well as tells you the story of "Just Enough." Sponsored by http://www.executivespeakertraining.com/ and presented by http://www.seantells.net/.
Please send your questions and comments to sean@storyteller.net and be sure to put "podcast comments" in the subject line.
Click below to listen in!
Storytelling In Business Podcast #3
Find previous podcasts in this series at this address:
http://seantells.net/audio-and-video/podcasts/
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Please send your questions and comments to sean@storyteller.net and be sure to put "podcast comments" in the subject line.
Click below to listen in!
Storytelling In Business Podcast #3
Find previous podcasts in this series at this address:
http://seantells.net/audio-and-video/podcasts/
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Overhaul to Executive Speaker Training Workshop
I've just posted a major overhaul to the website for the "Ancient Secret of Public Speaking" workshop at http://www.executivespeakertraining.com . Please come take a look. I am still building and tweaking, but I think the new format is much nicer and more user friendly. Come join us in Arizona sometime.
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Corporate Storytelling: 3 Tips For the Nervous Public Speaker
Do you remember your first days without the training wheels on your bike? Were you nervous? Were you even a little bit afraid? Did that fear make you hyper-focused? Was there someone holding on to your bike's seat, guiding you and cheering you on?
When it comes to public speaking, do you find yourself nervous and maybe even afraid? Like that first experience on your bike, let me hold on the seat and help you learn.
1. Let Your Nerves Work for You
I am probably right when I say those few moments of being on a bicycle without training wheels were some of the most focused moments in your life. All your senses were ready to learn. Your nerves, in that case, were working for you.
Nerves are not the enemy. I have been presenting public speaking courses for over two decades and I have never found a good speaker who was not nervous about their work. Notice that I wrote "a good speaker." There are plenty of cocky and arrogant public speakers who are "never nervous" but they present without energy or enthusiasm.
What good are nerves and nervousness for the public speaker? Your nerves keep your energy level high and your focus sharp. Speaking with high energy while focused on your presentation benefits your audience. They are getting a speaker who is truly present to the subject they are presenting instead of someone who is spewing out just another average speech. Before going onstage, accept your nerves as part of being human, take several slow deep breaths, smile big and step onto the stage with energy and enthusiasm.
2. Remember: Your Audience Wants You to Succeed.
When you were riding without the training wheels, were your family or friends standing on the sidewalk hoping you would fall off and hurt yourself? Of course they were not hoping that you would fail.
In public speaking, your audience wants to you to be at your best. They do not want you to be boring as that means they will be bored. Your audience wants to see you having fun or deeply in touch with your subject. In the old days, people were told to imagine the audience in their underwear. That was just horrible advice. Your audience is on your side and you are in partnership with them. Remember, you are the expert and you are giving them a valuable presentation. They want to walk out of the event saying, "Great! I can really use what that speaker was talking about."
3. Good Coaching and Training is Invaluable.
When you were a small child, you did not just hop on to your bicycle and hurry down the street. No, you started with training wheels. Then, someone took off those training wheels and ran behind you, holding on to the seat, while you wobbled down the road. Several falls later, more running and wobbling, and then, whoosh you took off down the road.
Coaching and training for public speaking are invaluable ways to get to the whoosh moments of public speaking. We who coach and train public speaking skills are always getting letters of thanks from our clients who successfully used simple techniques taught in public speaking workshops or private coaching. Seek out the experts who can take you to the next level. You will discover that it is an incredible experience to have a speaking coach who can point out areas where you need to improve and support you in your natural skills as a presenter.
Learn to focus your nervous energy to achieve excellence as a speaker.
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
When it comes to public speaking, do you find yourself nervous and maybe even afraid? Like that first experience on your bike, let me hold on the seat and help you learn.
1. Let Your Nerves Work for You
I am probably right when I say those few moments of being on a bicycle without training wheels were some of the most focused moments in your life. All your senses were ready to learn. Your nerves, in that case, were working for you.
Nerves are not the enemy. I have been presenting public speaking courses for over two decades and I have never found a good speaker who was not nervous about their work. Notice that I wrote "a good speaker." There are plenty of cocky and arrogant public speakers who are "never nervous" but they present without energy or enthusiasm.
What good are nerves and nervousness for the public speaker? Your nerves keep your energy level high and your focus sharp. Speaking with high energy while focused on your presentation benefits your audience. They are getting a speaker who is truly present to the subject they are presenting instead of someone who is spewing out just another average speech. Before going onstage, accept your nerves as part of being human, take several slow deep breaths, smile big and step onto the stage with energy and enthusiasm.
2. Remember: Your Audience Wants You to Succeed.
When you were riding without the training wheels, were your family or friends standing on the sidewalk hoping you would fall off and hurt yourself? Of course they were not hoping that you would fail.
In public speaking, your audience wants to you to be at your best. They do not want you to be boring as that means they will be bored. Your audience wants to see you having fun or deeply in touch with your subject. In the old days, people were told to imagine the audience in their underwear. That was just horrible advice. Your audience is on your side and you are in partnership with them. Remember, you are the expert and you are giving them a valuable presentation. They want to walk out of the event saying, "Great! I can really use what that speaker was talking about."
3. Good Coaching and Training is Invaluable.
When you were a small child, you did not just hop on to your bicycle and hurry down the street. No, you started with training wheels. Then, someone took off those training wheels and ran behind you, holding on to the seat, while you wobbled down the road. Several falls later, more running and wobbling, and then, whoosh you took off down the road.
Coaching and training for public speaking are invaluable ways to get to the whoosh moments of public speaking. We who coach and train public speaking skills are always getting letters of thanks from our clients who successfully used simple techniques taught in public speaking workshops or private coaching. Seek out the experts who can take you to the next level. You will discover that it is an incredible experience to have a speaking coach who can point out areas where you need to improve and support you in your natural skills as a presenter.
Learn to focus your nervous energy to achieve excellence as a speaker.
For more information about Sean's workshop that teaches you to harness the power of business or corporate storytelling, please visit our website at http://www.executivespeakertraining.com You are also invited to follow Sean via his Twitter account at http://www.twitter.com/storyteller today.
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Review of our Grumpy Burgers Teleseminar.
Just read this over at a NING group. Thanks, Kath.
I went on Sean's Teleseminar on Monday, and I got lots of new ideas to try, plus heaps of good marketing tips. Some things I knew of (good to get re-inforcement of that knowledge, though), but most were new ideas that will really help me improve our business and get more bookings. Sean teaches a lot of his ideas in point form (which he then elaborates on) - this is great because it makes it easy to take in and remember. I have already started to use some of the ideas, and will add more as I go along.
I've only ever been on one other teleseminar, and one thing I noticed that was different about Sean's way of teaching is that he is very inclusive and approachable. He kept asking if we understood each point, and welcomed and encouraged questions from us - he seemed genuinely interested in our marketing problems, and with helping us.
If your calendar is full and you have no room to squeeze in even one more booking ;o) - you probably don't need to go on the call, but otherwise, I can thoroughly recommend this Teleseminar - you won't have wasted your time by joining it. It's being repeated on Friday evening - here are the details:
http://professionalstoryteller.ning.com/events/surviving-tough-economic-times-1
Cheers,
Kathy Lamb Worsfold
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
I went on Sean's Teleseminar on Monday, and I got lots of new ideas to try, plus heaps of good marketing tips. Some things I knew of (good to get re-inforcement of that knowledge, though), but most were new ideas that will really help me improve our business and get more bookings. Sean teaches a lot of his ideas in point form (which he then elaborates on) - this is great because it makes it easy to take in and remember. I have already started to use some of the ideas, and will add more as I go along.
I've only ever been on one other teleseminar, and one thing I noticed that was different about Sean's way of teaching is that he is very inclusive and approachable. He kept asking if we understood each point, and welcomed and encouraged questions from us - he seemed genuinely interested in our marketing problems, and with helping us.
If your calendar is full and you have no room to squeeze in even one more booking ;o) - you probably don't need to go on the call, but otherwise, I can thoroughly recommend this Teleseminar - you won't have wasted your time by joining it. It's being repeated on Friday evening - here are the details:
http://professionalstoryteller.ning.com/events/surviving-tough-economic-times-1
Cheers,
Kathy Lamb Worsfold
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Public Speaking Workshop in Arizona with Executive Speaker Training.
We have posted new dates for our premier Speaker Training Workshop! Visit us at www.executivespeakertraining.com to learn more. Dates are posted for December through March. We still have space in the December workshop if you act now. Come to Avondale, Arizona this Winter, with great temps in the 70's.
Our public speaking training in Arizona is filled with less yakking on theory and more real learning and application time. Besides, it is taught by someone who really knows storytelling, not a guru that sorta added storytelling to their repertoire.
Powerful two days. Come join us.
www.executivespeakertraining.com
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Our public speaking training in Arizona is filled with less yakking on theory and more real learning and application time. Besides, it is taught by someone who really knows storytelling, not a guru that sorta added storytelling to their repertoire.
Powerful two days. Come join us.
www.executivespeakertraining.com
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Marketing TeleCourse is Next Week. Sign Up Now.
From Storyteller.net:
Storytellers and other Performing Artists! Are you making it as a full or part-time artist? Let us help you increase your income and improve your enjoyment of your work in our next TeleCourse series. Storyteller.net presents the TeleCourse Version of the "Outside In Storytelling Marketing Boot Camp" in October 2008. Every Wednesday, you will learn more tips, trick and techniques presented by K. Sean Buvala in an interactive, fun and informative evening TeleCourse. You can learn more when you visit this link right now! Begins next week, register today.
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Storytellers and other Performing Artists! Are you making it as a full or part-time artist? Let us help you increase your income and improve your enjoyment of your work in our next TeleCourse series. Storyteller.net presents the TeleCourse Version of the "Outside In Storytelling Marketing Boot Camp" in October 2008. Every Wednesday, you will learn more tips, trick and techniques presented by K. Sean Buvala in an interactive, fun and informative evening TeleCourse. You can learn more when you visit this link right now! Begins next week, register today.
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Press Release: The Ancient Secret of Public Speaking Workshop
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Use Date: August 24- October 8, 2008
Synopsis: Award-winning speaker coach and storyteller offers new training workshops in the West Valley of the greater Phoenix area. Adults who use public speaking in any format are invited to register for the “Ancient Secret of Public Speaking” workshops in October or November 2008.
Avondale, AZ- Improving and mastering public speaking will be the results when those in any career field attend the newest two-day training workshop offered in the West Valley. The “Ancient Secret of Public Speaking Workshop” has two remaining sessions in 2008: October 9 and 10 and then again November 6 and 7. Presented by long-time Arizona resident and national presenter, K. Sean Buvala, the workshops are limited to a few students per session to insure personal attention. For more information and to register, please see the website at http://www.ancientsecretworkshop.com .
“After several decades of public speaking work, I’ve come to recognize and apply a core element in every excellent speech or presentation of any type. In the workshop, we tap into this ‘secret’ skill, one we are all born with, and teach our students how to immediately use the skill,” says Sean Buvala, the creator and presenter for the “Ancient Secret of Public Speaking” workshop. He continued, “I’ve spoken with and coached in nearly every major industry, including construction, sales, health care, ministry, education and others. I’ve worked nationally with small companies and major international corporations. In all cases, our secret skill of building narrative can be used and is used by all speakers in those organizations.”
Sean has decided to keep this national workshop in the Phoenix area. “We’ve been offering a variety of workshops here in the west valley for about a year now. We have had attendees from all over the U.S. With this new workshop, we’re expanding our offerings so that anyone of any skill level can come and learn to speak with greater clarity, getting their message to stick in the hearts and minds of their listeners. As a side benefit, we’re creating business for west-valley hotels, caterers and retailers.” says Sean.
Buvala continued, “The workshop is surprisingly affordable for this level of training and includes many practice and coaching sessions. We also put out some great meals, which are included in the price of the workshop. We work our participants very hard as they develop new skills or fine-tune current skills. It’s always good to watch our participants grow and have a great time, too.”
The remaining 2008 workshops are offered at a discount price before a price increase in 2009. “I’ve seen entire teams grow and learn much when they learn the narrative secret.”
For the latest information and updates, please visit the website at http://www.ancientsecretworkshop.com.
###
Keywords: learn storytelling, learn public speaking, workshops, corporate training, speaker consultant, goodyear, avondale, human resources, hr, sales, teaching, teacher, inservice, insurance, ministry, how to be a better public speaker, confident speaking, real estate, arizona, toastmaster, education, continuing education, college,
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
For Immediate Release
Use Date: August 24- October 8, 2008
Synopsis: Award-winning speaker coach and storyteller offers new training workshops in the West Valley of the greater Phoenix area. Adults who use public speaking in any format are invited to register for the “Ancient Secret of Public Speaking” workshops in October or November 2008.
Avondale, AZ- Improving and mastering public speaking will be the results when those in any career field attend the newest two-day training workshop offered in the West Valley. The “Ancient Secret of Public Speaking Workshop” has two remaining sessions in 2008: October 9 and 10 and then again November 6 and 7. Presented by long-time Arizona resident and national presenter, K. Sean Buvala, the workshops are limited to a few students per session to insure personal attention. For more information and to register, please see the website at http://www.ancientsecretworkshop.com .
“After several decades of public speaking work, I’ve come to recognize and apply a core element in every excellent speech or presentation of any type. In the workshop, we tap into this ‘secret’ skill, one we are all born with, and teach our students how to immediately use the skill,” says Sean Buvala, the creator and presenter for the “Ancient Secret of Public Speaking” workshop. He continued, “I’ve spoken with and coached in nearly every major industry, including construction, sales, health care, ministry, education and others. I’ve worked nationally with small companies and major international corporations. In all cases, our secret skill of building narrative can be used and is used by all speakers in those organizations.”
Sean has decided to keep this national workshop in the Phoenix area. “We’ve been offering a variety of workshops here in the west valley for about a year now. We have had attendees from all over the U.S. With this new workshop, we’re expanding our offerings so that anyone of any skill level can come and learn to speak with greater clarity, getting their message to stick in the hearts and minds of their listeners. As a side benefit, we’re creating business for west-valley hotels, caterers and retailers.” says Sean.
Buvala continued, “The workshop is surprisingly affordable for this level of training and includes many practice and coaching sessions. We also put out some great meals, which are included in the price of the workshop. We work our participants very hard as they develop new skills or fine-tune current skills. It’s always good to watch our participants grow and have a great time, too.”
The remaining 2008 workshops are offered at a discount price before a price increase in 2009. “I’ve seen entire teams grow and learn much when they learn the narrative secret.”
For the latest information and updates, please visit the website at http://www.ancientsecretworkshop.com.
###
Keywords: learn storytelling, learn public speaking, workshops, corporate training, speaker consultant, goodyear, avondale, human resources, hr, sales, teaching, teacher, inservice, insurance, ministry, how to be a better public speaker, confident speaking, real estate, arizona, toastmaster, education, continuing education, college,
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
New Lower-Price offer on the Storytelling 101 Kit!
Hey, we changed the bonus items for the Storytelling 101 kit and dropped the price a whole bunch. Come and check it out. Mention this blog when you order and I will send you an extra gift. http://www.storytelling101.com
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Monday, August 18, 2008
More Boot Camp Pics.
More pics from the Marketing Boot Camp.
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Monday, May 19, 2008
More on ROI
I've been getting some interesting online and offline feedback to my post a few days ago regarding "return on investments". Thanks for the conversations, folks.
Just a quick thought 'cuz there aren't enough cliches in blogs already:
And also, here is one of the comments I posted for that other post:
You are right, folks can stay home. But...How many good stories do you know where a journey must be set out on, the growth obtained and the journey home a changed person?
That is the power of going off to a conference like ours. And like many stories, there are monsters to defeat. In the case of the OISBC, some participants found that the monster was themselves and their old belief systems.
There are few stories that say, "see how much I learned never leaving my house." There are exceptions and they are few. One of the past participants of the OISBC included in her comments about the camp that a person needs to come ready to focus ("make it a retreat") on the volume of information we deliver. The power is not just the information. The power is in the journey, the setting-aside of time, the sacrifice of one's gold, the entering into and of energized space. Journey to the conference.
The journey tho', if we believe in the truth of the stories we tell, is pretty darn important.
Journeying to the same place, over and over again, loses its ability to teach. Time for folks to set out on a new path.
Being a full-time storyteller is not for everyone. It takes a lot of sacrifice, as any small business does.
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Just a quick thought 'cuz there aren't enough cliches in blogs already:
"If you keep on doing what you've always done, you'll keep on getting what you've always got."
And also, here is one of the comments I posted for that other post:
You are right, folks can stay home. But...How many good stories do you know where a journey must be set out on, the growth obtained and the journey home a changed person?
That is the power of going off to a conference like ours. And like many stories, there are monsters to defeat. In the case of the OISBC, some participants found that the monster was themselves and their old belief systems.
There are few stories that say, "see how much I learned never leaving my house." There are exceptions and they are few. One of the past participants of the OISBC included in her comments about the camp that a person needs to come ready to focus ("make it a retreat") on the volume of information we deliver. The power is not just the information. The power is in the journey, the setting-aside of time, the sacrifice of one's gold, the entering into and of energized space. Journey to the conference.
The journey tho', if we believe in the truth of the stories we tell, is pretty darn important.
Journeying to the same place, over and over again, loses its ability to teach. Time for folks to set out on a new path.
Being a full-time storyteller is not for everyone. It takes a lot of sacrifice, as any small business does.
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Take a Listen Now! In Depth for the "Outside In Storytelling Marketing Camp."
Our most recent marketing workshop was in February. Part of that camp experience was a follow up conference call. We recorded that call and it's here for you to listen to now (click here). If you are on the edge about attending the next camp in August 2008, please listen to these folks talk about what they've learned and how they are applying the learning from the camp.
The audio is a bit rough in places, such are the wonders of conference call technology. One of the things I like about this call is that you can hear Priscilla and I working through some thoughts about marketing one of her events. This is the kind of give and take that happens at the camp- something you can't just get from listening to the camp audio recordings.
You can register for the next camp at our website. Use the promo coupon code: dryheat to save 20%.
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
"Sean, there were so many wonderful things that came 'at' us in the boot camp, that I have just started working on just a little bit of it at a time. One of the things that became very clear to me was that I really needed to spend time redefining my niche. I thought I knew. I knew what I enjoyed. Even my mission statement didn't truly reflect what is was I actually do. So I spent time trying to refine that and working on my niche some more. That is just one of the things ( I learned). I am going to name two or three more..." - Call Participant, North Carolina
The audio is a bit rough in places, such are the wonders of conference call technology. One of the things I like about this call is that you can hear Priscilla and I working through some thoughts about marketing one of her events. This is the kind of give and take that happens at the camp- something you can't just get from listening to the camp audio recordings.
You can register for the next camp at our website. Use the promo coupon code: dryheat to save 20%.
The official blog for K. Sean Buvala, storyteller and storytelling coach.
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