The Universality of Story

In the most recent edition of Speaker, magazine publication of the National Speakers Association, I found a great quote. In the article "A Positive Outlook" Suzie Humphreys is being interviewed about her business. She relays a situation that occurred to her during one of her presentations, she became ill and had to leave the stage. When she returned she told the audience why she had run out "they howled with laughter". Her wrap up quote is from Rembrandt, "That which is most personal is most universal."

This is the very point I make with many clients. It they are willing to tell a personal story they will connect with any audience. The American Idol like show now playing in Arab countries proves that we humans are more alike than we are different. Our basic human experiences will connect us. Think about that the next time you are looking for a story to include in a presentation. Keep it simple and enjoy the camaraderie it engenders.