Lesson #6: Storytelling is Critical for Speaking
Stories Are Essential For Your Keynote
Your audiences will forget the wisdom you share with them. They will forget your great points. However, they will not forget well-told stories. Yes, if you want to connect with them at a deeper level, you have to use stories.
Question for me? Scroll down to ask me.
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Thanks Rene, this is s helpful..
Hi Rene,
You are one of the best mentors I have ever come in contact with and should I tell the truth, this video has strengthened my weakness. “The money is in the story ” You know what? I have a lots of inspiring stories.
Thanks for this wonderful insight.
Yes, your stories are your greatest assets. You change lives by sharing transformational metaphors that connect with others in a profound way. Our stories are gifts to share with others. This is huge!
The allure must be in your heart because I get a better sense of your passion every time I listen to you speak!! The information that you are sharing is very insightful and easy to understand. Please keep presenting this much needed information which in my opinion is great for building comaraderie.
God Bless you Mr Rene. I love watching and learning from you for one reason…you’re authentic. You don’t sugar coat anything and you tell it like it is. I kept on putting my speaking career off even though I know it’s where I’m meant to be. You have got me streamlining my message with purpose and desire. I believe that the Holy Spirit has brought us to cross paths and I pray a special blessing over you and yours. Will chat to you soon…from your brother in South Africa
Great information on story-telling Rene! I liked it so much because you are right about stories captivating the audience. I am still working on this myself, so I viewed another of your videos where you explain about finding the conflict in a story. I really enjoyed the video and it gave me more clarity and insight so I am going to share the link here and I am sure it will help others as well. Thank you so much Rene, you are a real gem! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aEEsJTnr8E
Wow! That beginning part was harsh, but true.
Thank you.
I think I’ve waited to long to start. That makes me sad. But I am giving a talk on birth on September 17th at my library. I have also started my book.
I like the idea of how to write life stories. Great stuff! Thank you.
Hello, it is not because I’m not leaving comments that I haven’t read or watched the videos. I’ve been through them all. Your strategies are great and especially convincing. What great ideas and so simple.
Thank you very much this video reminded me of my many stories I can share. I have a gift of dreaming things that come to pass and this started at a very young age when I had no clue what was happening to me. Now that I am older it is sometimes nerve wracking to share this with ppl but I do it anyway coz I don’t want to regrate not having said something if something bad happens. Some years ago I asked God to reveal my gift and talent after seeing Olympics and in a moment I fell in a trance and saw fabric fall on me from heaven from that time I just felt drawn to the machine. Even with no idea how to sew immediately I would see what I needed to do and I wld make a garment so perfect for the first time. I didn’t hesitate to explore every thing that came to me. To date I have made bags shoes wedding dresses etc. I know I am called to inspire and encourage others with the finer details of how it happened to me. So thank u for that reminder from South Africa. My brand name is Vzen Designs and taking the step to show what can be done but just believing I opened an instagram acc but more is coming. Thank u again
Thanks Rene, about my stories i did not know that is where the money is. What a wonderful mentorship, that was excellent. I know now why i was writing too little about myself. First I did not think my story was that important, second i was not categorising my story to filter information out. Now am more prepared to write it down. Every time i listen to your videos my doors to motivational speaking are getting opened. Am busy like a bee writing my book and doing my homework of all other recommendations. Thanks so much Rene, we are getting somewhere. God bless bless you Rene. Can not wait to hear more.
Rene
Thanks for this video. I never thought of stories in the way you explained how to use them. After the video, I started to think about some of the speakers I’ve watched in the past. It makes sense!
Thanks again.
This was wonderful teaching. I will work on it immediately Sir
Dear Rene,
You are AWESOME….I mean the advice you give and the lessons u share are wonderful….i also thot i hv no stories, but the way u put it, i hv so many…..thank u soooo much…
Didn’t really think about “stories” before; however, hubby is a great natural speaker and he is always telling true “stories” that made our motorcycle group and friends laugh. For over 5 years, we were volunteer “Chapter Educators” for our Gold Wing (motorcycle) group and presented rider safety information.
I did the research and article for the newsletter and he/we did the presentations. On a separate note, I did a similar motorcycle “Safety Officer” speech presentation for a different motorcycle group parallel for a couple of years.
So, yes, I’m not afraid to speak before groups…I just have a different message to get out to my target audience.
Thanks for reminding me that I need to “entertain” as well as present information.
You are welcome Carolyn. We are all storytellers. We tell stories every day. When we come from work, well tell stories from work.
The mother tells her husband stories about the kids when he comes from work. We tell others about the news in details as we were there.
People cannot resist stories. That’s why politicians use them as psychological triggers to persuade us to vote for their lies. There’s a lot more I can say about this. But, I want to be nice.
I truly enjoyed this video and I will watch it several more times. I am very inspired by your “story” and I am anxious to get my thoughts organized in order to start writing my book. I speak to a group of about 80 people once a week. These people are inmates participating in a transition program, like myself. I do my best to deliver a message that will cause them to look inward and change their way of thinking. My sincere goal is to continue doing this once I am released. Your videos have given me much neede encouragement and has caused me to believe that this is possible. Thanks
You are such a gift, and from all the vedios that you have shared with me,they have really build something in me,I am so happy to be coached by such a gifted man like you…thumps-up
It’s my pleasure Victor. Keep pressing on!
Thank you mr. Rene Godefroy
I never realised how many stories I have in my background that I can implement and use.
I just learn new things every day.
Thank you
Oh yes, you do have lots of stories.
Thank you , Rene, for showering us with inspiring videos like these. It totally clarifies my doubt whether I’m equipped or not to be a motivational speaker. I’m glad I joined for your videos! AND YES- YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!!
Karan,
Thank you for letting me know I’m making a difference! You are awesome!
Rene Thank you thank you thank you! Another mind blowing video. Its the simplicity that blows me away. You are reading my mind and as the doubts come up, you seem to find a way to handle it. My stories are in abundance, but I do have some concern. I don’t want to share the “not so pretty” parts of my life, some of my readers would know me personally and these experiences I have hidden so far in me, I know it will probably lead to the most powerful events in my life that can convince someone to move when they are rock bottom and broken at heart, but it is going to be difficult for me to pull them out. Hopefully I can overcome this challenge. Thanks again.
Dear Rene,
I am interested to be part of you mission.. Please register me as one of the member in 1000 club.
Regards,
Uday
Thank you Rene for being an amazing teacher. I am working towards being a motivational speaker for a living. I grew up in a violent broken home and was homeless when I was a teenager. I worked hard to over come poverty and now own my own home, I am a business owner and family man. I am blessed to have found you as a mentor and thank you for everything. Hope to meet you in person or talk with you soon.
Rene,
Sincerely all of your videos do sound to me like you simply designed it for me. Really do have a lot stories, but then I seriously desire a launch pad. Still trying so had to get the attention/audience I need.
Rene
Thank you for yet another informative video. As I was watching your video, it dawned on me…..you’re absolutely right; there are so many stories to tell. Your amazing!! Thank you for your encouragement and your willingness to share your knowledge. May God reward you tenfold.
It’s my pleasure. Take notes and apply what you are learning.
Mr Rene, I love your coaching my Brother. Blessings.
Cool! Glad you found this web site.
Rene,
Your humbleness is your strength and its very inspirational. I’m working on my book and reading daily. Feel like I’m ready to start but I hesitate without the book being complete. What do you advise? Thank you very much for your help and encouragement!
Kevin
Way to go Kevin. Just do it.
Rene,
Once again, thanks for sharing your knowledge and tips. I really appreciate the exercise which is to categorize your life and review what happen in your life to obtain stories. I definitely agree with you, that people may not remember the specifics points you made while you were speaking, however they remember the stories.
Also, for you to make that comment that about a person is suffering because I am not doing what I need to do is very powerful. I never looked at it that way. Now, that’s motivation. I see why you are successful as you are in the speaking game. Thanks a lot.
Henry
This is my first comment but it is not because I have not been encouraged by your message. Thank you so so much for your words of inspiration and encouragement. I am following all of the advice and getter more and more confident in my ability to be a motivational speaker everyday. I've joined toastmasters, I am working my book, and reading daily. I am also working in corporate america in a very demanding leadership position which demands10 plus hours of my time each day. My plan was to begin my motivational teachings around leadreship and success within the organization and eventually branch out to speaking out side of the company. Your comments today have encouragement me not to wait but it is very challenging when you are trying to do all of these things at once. Outside of all the other words of advice, what do you think about my approach? Do you think its to conservative? Should I go ahead and look for opportunities to speak ? I know previously suggested do this but I want to make sure I doing the right thing for my family.
Darnell,
Your approach is great! However, you should have a blended approach. Yes, definitely look for outside opportunities to speak. Rotary clubs are great for exposure. I'm sure at your executive level you have people in your network who are rotarians. Ask them to recommend you to speak to their club. Also, don't forget the other Civic Clubs I mentioned in one of the videos.
Of course, you need to start marketing to meeting planners in your local market. Congratulations! You're taking the right actions to make it happen. Stay with it. The world is waiting for you. Don't them wait for too long. Follow your bliss. Do what you have to do to put food on your table by all means. However, keep strategizing for your speaking career. Do whatever it takes.
Rene, this was very awesome stuff. I’m currently writing a book and it’s going to be really crazy stuff! I grew up in the Vegas during the 60’s and my dad worked for both the Clark County Sheriffs Department and the Mob!
Stay tuned you’ll be seeing the first real no holds bar book about Vegas.
Keep up your great work!
Much Peace and Love,
NBarez
Amen Nathan! I believe you! Keep speaking it into existence. Dare to imagine the impossible long enough and it will become possible.
You are so powerful!!!
Thanks for an inspiring video, just when I really needed it. I have lots of stories that I practiced telling during 12 years as a preschool teacher. The kids were my teachers. If they were uninterested in my story, I had to do a better job of telling it. I practiced different ways of telling the stories until they loved them. Now I have to write them down, and maybe add some new ones as they come to mind.
You are an awesome teacher.
Isn’t that amazing Jana. The students are the best teachers. Their questions challenge us to learn and grow more. Thanks for sharing.
You are right about the stories. I am using them to impact the crowd. You yourself have been an impact on me.
Awesome Melanie! You can really connect with your crowd emotionally through stories. In fact, you cannot do without well crafted and well told stories. I’m so glad you got it!
Great advice! We are all reluctant to get started. But I agree with you our stories make money! Thank you for what you do and you will be seeing and hearing more of me!
Rene this information is worth its weight in gold to me great topic great information keep up the great work, you gave me the spark i was looking for thankyou!!!
@Randall Willis Awesome! Glad you found it valuable Randall. Keep taking action my friend. Press on! This is your year!!!
a lesson to learn about stories…on how to use them as part of motivational speaking.
@ladymicaela Yes! Stories have a hypnotic effect on people. They help you the speaker bypass the reason faculty. They help you quiet the argumentative voice inside the mind of the listener. You have to become a master or mistress at telling stories that drive a powerful point home.
Man this is awesome stuff, Rene! I have started on my cover and have my 10 chapters…working on filling them in every evening. Now gotta get to work on my stories! Off I go. 😉
Make sure you are writing stuff your intended market really want. Focus on the questions people are asking everyday about your topic. That's a powerful tip right there.
Guys outthere, greetings in the glorious name of of lord Jesus christ. the work Rene is doing is fabulous, i had tried to no avail to contact some motivational speakers here in southafrica with the intention to be mentored but they did not have time for me. these guys they speak on radio as well as live serminars through out the country, but they did not bother any way. So my point is Mr Rene is mentoring us all this for free, let God bless him more abundantly.
Some one once said in his book,titled the magic in your mind,` that you can be anything you want to be if you will only trust your imagination. picture and visualise your heart`s desires and.never let the picture distort or tarnish. rather keep it fresh, clear and bright. it will enter your life quietly and unobtrusively, without sound of trumpents and clashing cymbals, for it will be following a law that exists throught out the universe, that everythind basically is an idea ,and must first begin in the mind of the beholder.` That which is visualised in the mind becomes part of the possessor of that mind because a man is what he thinks. To think is tobe. If you think you are a motivational speaker then you are. A person is a product of his thoughts. said Mahatma Gandi. till next time guys. lets speak. ciao. Rene keep up the good work. You are the hero.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing your wisdom here. Please make sure you are taking the RIGHT actions on a consistent basis. Keep pressin on!
Rene,
I felt as though you were speaking directly to me, I just started taking classes for that same reason. I did'nt think I had enough credibility to do this, but I was wrong, plus at my age(46), being in a classroom is quite an adjustment. That's what been holding me back,and you're right,I have a ton of stories. I was a Leadership Instructor in the military so that's the main reason I want to be a Motivational Speaker. thanks for the vote of confidence.
George
My friend, you are way more qualified to impact the world in a remarkable way than you might imagine. Don't shy away. Don't play small. The reason you are starting on this journey of transformation is because God called upon you.
continue…awakening to something new. Thank you so much for your time and your wisdom.
Again in deep gratitude
Jill
You are welcome Jll!
RENE!!!!
My deep gratitude to you for taking such care to not only respond to my question but to INSPIRE! I have read your answer several times over and each time I am
Jill, that means a lot to me. I just want you to win! I want you to do something everyday. Take the RIGHT actions.
Dear Rene,
Thank you for all the videos thus far. I'm really enjoying them! I've always thought I would like to become a motivational speaker. I love public speaking, it's something that makes me feel so alive. I would like to join Toastmasters and really polish my speaking skills, and then get out there and inspire people. And now I need to sit down and write about each decade of my life. You are an inspiration!
Thank you Rene, I look forward to your next video.
Blessings,
Bobbi
Bobbi, I just finished speaking to a large crowd. Here the main message: If your dream is a Bentley, don’t share it with people that have a Honda Civic dream.
They will discourage you. They will extinguish your fire. Now, if anyone here is driving a Civic, forgive me for the analogy. I think you get my point, right? No Condition is Permanent.
Rene, being a beginner do you recommend doing a bunch of free presentations to build up testimonials and videos of my speaking engagements before I start pursuing getting paid for it. At what point do I start selling my services and when I do how can I look like a seasoned speaker in my pitch to land a paying oppportunity., I have a fantastic true story which is very compelling along with much healthcare experience. I've been doing and planning to do more free speaking engagements. What resources/books did you use be become a better/more knowledgeable speaker. Thank you for your videos. I've trully enjoyed all of them!
This video is great. Dividing a story of my life as you stated is a very good idea, otherwise it
becomes overwhelming. For me I did not know how to start my book, but I will try to follow your idea.
Rene, I am from Tanzania and have a dream of becoming a great motivational speaker. I am new at Public speaking and I know things take time but I feel I am not moving as I should to accomplish my goal, my passion. I joined Toastmasters, 2 weeks ago. we meet every 2 weeks.
I followed what one of your video said that at every opportunity we should get up and say something. I got up at toastmasters for Table topics and Introduction. I plan to give Icebreaker in two weeks. My biggest struggle right now is writing my book, the story of my life.
Rene, did you just say you are kinda going to ramble? To me, this 9-minute message has been so fantastic. You've indeed fired me with great enthusiasm. I've not been so much inspired like this before! I take my hat off to you. Since I came to know you through this medium, my life has never been the same.Thanks very much.
Hi Abbey,
I'm glad you found the video helpful to you. I only touched the surface. It's even more powerful when you can really grasp the essence of what I shared. Follow through and do your homework assignment.
Hi Rene,
Thank you for the videos they are great. I’m a little stuck in that I recently had my second child, and I have found that I am afraid to leave my current line of work because I am the only source of income for my family right now. I try to create a strategy everyday to leave my job but then when the bills come in I just re think that now is not the time. Any advice on how to manage this?
Thank you thanks again for the video training.
First of all, you are NOT stuck anywhere Jill. You are where you are by choice. Here’s what I mean: You made a series of choices in the past that eventually brought where you are.
Step number is to accept full responsibility and start being accountable. Simple put make better choices. And I’m not talking the big choices. Usually, the little ones have serious consequences.
I said all of that to raise your awareness. I love the fact that you try to create a strategy everyday. I would prefer you eliminate the word “try” as it’s NOT a commitment.
Let me tell you, I was working fulltime when I launched my speaking biz. Eventually I started making more money speaking than working at my job. That’s when I quit.
You see, I don’t know your particular situation. I don’t what you have in place. It’s hard for me to prescribe anything. What I know for sure is that your freedom is NOT in your job. It’s rather in running your own business… A business you love and that is fulfilling. That’s why I LOVE speaking, coaching and consulting.
Finally, you can’t have what you want by trying to hold to what you have. You must be willing to change or let go of some things. The reality is, you lifestyle may be holding you back. And I can write a whole book about that one statement.
If I wasn’t willing to live a certain life now in order to have a certain life in the future, I would still be a doorman at the hotel. In conclusion, I think you are way ahead of millions. You are taking action. I’m proud of you. Congrats!
PLEASE don’t give up. It takes the stonecutter 99 blows and on the 100th, the stone finally cracks. March on! Your voice is unique. Your message is timely. There are some people I will never reach. Only you can reach them.
Your videos leave me amazed and speechless. This one was no exception. However, every now and then something seems to pull me back…to checks my enthusiasm. In spite of this, I am pressing on. I believe God placed you in my life at this time specifically for assisting me to fulfill this purpose He has for my life. Thank you for all the motivation and inspiration. I started my list of stories while watching the video. My book is not finished yet but I'm still working on it. Soon, I will say Thank You in a way that will convince you that I mean it–by landing my first professional speaking engagement. Thanks a million.
Awesome Glenda!
In this video, I literally handed everyone a blank check. To the degree you get what I am saying about stories, you can any amount on that check.
Sir, viewed your video and you've helped me tremendously. Is there anyway to get your video's on hard copy or by download?
Sidni, I will bring that to my team's attention and see what they can do for you. I think you are having difficulty watching the videos because of your internet connection. What country do you live in?
Thanks Rene,I am a pastor and entrepreneur.I speak both in church circles and in the market place.i am willing to learn,i never want to stop growing.how can i take my speaking to a higher level?
i leave for Nigeria my home country where i will be for 3 weeks;speaking,doing business,mentoring,etc.
it would be nice to talk with you soon.
thanks again.
Sidney
Sidney,
You and I are on the path. Now, the key is touch millions. You see when you can millions, you can make millions. Do you see what I mean?
Dear Rene,
Thanks for sharing these videos with us. For some it might be there 1st encounter with the world of public speaking, for me it’s a confirmation that i am on the right path.
My story is long but shows that no matter how your journey of life has begun, the ending is in your hands. Every decision we make; every second, every minute carry’s us into the wonderful plan that God has for us! We are created in the image of God and we choose to live in Excellency or in mediocrity. Looking forward for the next video.
Your friend in the journey of life,
Grace
Grace,
You are on to something. Never give up. You have what it takes. Everyday, do something that touches lives.
Dear Mr.Godefroy,
Your videos are amazing , thank you so much! I will follow your instructions, I've already started writing my stories down. Your tips will allow me to probe even deeper, to remember even more life experiences. I have a speaking engagement on December 6th at a Senior Center, I pray that this will be the start of many more speaking engagements.
Barbara Caldwell
Barbara, No doubt this is the beginning. Make sure you nail this one. Come out punching and leave them on a high note. Stories. Stories. Stories.
I’m ready to get paid for speaking. I want to start now.
Yes Sandy! I like that. You are more than ready. However, saying you are ready is not the key. You have to some kind of step. Let me know exactly what you are doing right now.
I really enjoyed this video. I am going to work right now to write down all the stories of my life and to get started with my motivational speaking business. Think you very much. God bless you, Rene.
Bernard
Good for you Bernard. You are taking action. Way to go!
My Dearest Guru Rene. Thanks for this wonderful video. In fact all of your videos are very powerful, motivaing and informative.
But here;s the good news. Through your suggestions, I contacted the local Rotary Club. The secretary called me this afternoon and I sent her my BIO and picture. So I am very close tto gettng my first public speaking assignment.
My grateful thanks to you.
Koya
I have no idea what you mean about guru. But I welcome your intention. It’s all good. I’m not trying to be a guru. I just want to be of service. I just want an army of inspirers to join forces with me to help make a BIG impact.
Koya, your wisdom is much needed. You have accomplished a lot. Now it’s time to show others how to expand and live fulfilling lives.