These tips appeared in an article on the INSEAD Knowledge website.
Provide a beginning, conflict, resolution and ending
Whenever you want to incorporate a story into your speech, it should always have four basic parts: an introduction in which you establish the initial situation, a description of the conflict or problem that has arisen, a solution to the problem, and finally a conclusion.
Focus on emotions
Whether you are telling your life story or describing to subordinates, for instance, how you were able to negotiate successfully a deal with an important client, you always need to focus primarily on emotions. Fear, tension, feelings of happiness or relief, curiosity: these are very powerful emotions that will help you achieve your aims.
Give examples and situations that people around you can identify with
Avoid stories that are too far removed from the everyday reality of the people you are telling the story to. Always try to tune in to your surroundings and reflect the experiences of your audience; tell stories they can relate to.
Be concise
Do not try to tell overly complicated stories featuring lots of characters and numerous twists and turns. On the contrary: to be effective and interesting, your story should be as simple and straightforward as possible.
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