How many times did your teachers tell you, “show don’t tell”? I remember various English teachers drumming this refrain into my brain! What exactly did they mean? Years later when honing my public speaking skills I discovered the importance of this lesson.
How many times have you fallen asleep or tuned out a presenter who narrated a story instead of using body language and dialogue to bring a story to life? Presenters and speakers commit this grave offense all the time! I’ve been guilty of it time and again. For many of us, it’s much easier to narrate a story than to act it out. The challenge then for all of us is to find ways to tell a story through our bodies and our characters. By characters, I mean the various “actors” in our stories.
The actor might be only you talking about a solo experience. Why not tell your audience about your inner thoughts by acting out your thoughts instead of just telling? Rather than tell your audience you were terrified, show them by simply contorting your face to show fear. Speak the actual thoughts you had! Example: “What the hell am I gonna do now?!” I guarantee this will transport your audience directly into the action and emotion of your story. Make sure your body movements show how you were
actually feeling during the moments you are reliving.
Body language plays a larger role in transmitting a message than your words do. Be sure that your body and facial expressions are directly congruent with the emotions you wish to convey. For example, if relating a terrifying experience don’t smile when recreating it! Show us your intense fear by tensing up your body and face. It’s not uncommon for speakers to unintentionally smile while recounting a sad or frightening experience or frown when relating an exciting tale.
The more you use your body and dialogue between characters and within a character, the more powerful your story will be.
Author: Oscar Romero
Creator of Shy Guy No More
Extraordinarily caring, Oscar Romeo helps you find the courage you need to live the life you desire.