When Lao Tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching, he put together a collection of aphorisms that served kings and common folk alike. Rulers found much wisdom in the words and plain folks found a philosophy that stressed harmony with – and immersion in – the natural world.
Here at SlideMagnet, we wonder what the Old Man would think of applying some of his sagacity to our storytelling?
Gentle and yielding is the principle of life.
Thus an Army without flexibility never wins a battle. – Lao Tzu
One of the more fascinating quotes to be found in Lao Tzu’s musings, this is a great example of the man’s insight into presenting. Clearly, Lao Tzu had a bigger picture in mind than our obsessions with Pecha Kucha and the latest presentation apps on our iPhones. However, it is a wise man who takes inspiration and education where he finds it, and we think Lao Tzu would give us some mad props for adapting his ideas to our own ends.
When it comes to storytelling, flexibility can be a sink-or-swim skill. You never really know what you are walking into when you are about to do a presentation. We all do our homework and try to get a bead on our audiences ahead of time, but the fact of the matter is – as the Tao Te Ching demonstrates so clearly – things change. Even if you are the one-and-only-enlightened-sage-of-presenting, you are not in control the world and when the winds of change blow you better bend – or you’re going to break!
For example, what will you do if you are asked to give the same presentation twice to two different groups? The first group is in a large room filled with 300 people. You become bigger than life and your boisterous storytelling style is a complete hit! However, the second group meets in a small conference space and is composed of less than ten people. What will you do now, Robin Williams?
Once you’ve developed a winning style of storytelling, the best favor you can do yourself is developing another style. In fact, it can be best not to think about storytelling in terms of style at all. Better to conceptualize storytelling in a modular fashion: a construct made up of interchangeable parts. One presentation may call for vocal projection, humor, and rock star gesturing, while another pitch may require reflective anecdotes paired with a sombre pace and measured, precise diction. Something as simple as choosing to sit on a stool instead of standing can drastically alter your presenting style, affecting pace and tone in a way that can open connections to your audience in the right context.
The key to developing flexibility in your storytelling is your own openness to the possibilities. What is the full range of your expressive capabilities? Are there techniques you aren’t adding to your arsenal because of the risk-taking involved? Why not ask The Master for some advice?
A man with outward courage dares to die.
A man with inward courage dares to live. -Lao-Tzu
Keep learning, Grasshopper!
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