How to Use Storytelling and Anecdotes in a Speech

After listening to a lecture, you may walk away with a few statistics, some interesting buzzwords or an obscure fact. What you'll definitely remember, though, are the moving stories and humorous anecdotes you've heard. When you speak in public, use storytelling to illustrate key points and make an impression on your audience.

Instructions

1. Determine the main points you want to make in your speech and integrate stories that pertain to them. Avoid inserting random stories simply designed to make the speech more interesting. The audience will remember the anecdote instead of the true meaning of your address.

2. Experiment with the position of your anecdotes in the speech. Determine where they'll have the most impact and help your key points be more memorable. Use them as segues, introductions or conclusions.

3. Match the anecdote's tone to the mood of your speech. Use humor when it's appropriate or a touching story when you want to move your audience, for example.

4. Borrow a story if you don't have one that illustrates the point. Draw from the experiences of your family and friends or reference a moment in a movie, book or famous historical speech. Give credit to the story's source before you tell it.

5. Embellish your story, if necessary, but base it on fact. You'll affect your credibility if you stray too far from the truth.

6. Memorize your stories so you don't have to read from cue cards. Practice often until your tone, pauses, voice and timing are natural. Listen to famous public speakers to discover how they make their storytelling more effective.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider the age and background of your audience. Be sure they'll understand the point of your stories, especially if you're speaking overseas. Avoid using off-color humor or anecdotes that may be offensive.