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Abe Lincoln on the Power of Story

By Bonnie Budzowski
President, InCredible Messages, LP

You are preparing for an important presentation before an executive committee or customer. Chances are you’ve spent hours crunching numbers for this event. You’ve probably prepared PowerPoint slides and graphics. But have you spent equal time on your images? Have you carefully prepared word pictures or stories to illustrate and support your points?

For most of us, analogies and word pictures are like icing on an already tasty cake—a nice addition but not essential. The most powerful communicators have a different view. Check out the following quotes shared by Dr. Terry Paulson, Certified Speaking Professional and award winning communicator, in a recent talk:

I do not seek applause…nor to amuse the people. I want to convince them. I often avoid a long and useless discussion by others or a laborious explanation on my own part by using a short story that illustrates my point of view.
                                                            Abraham Lincoln

Every one of his [Lincoln’s] stories seems like a whack upon my back. Nothing else—not any of his arguments or any of his replies to my questions—disturbs me. But when he begins to tell a story, I feel that I am to be overmatched.
                                                            Stephen Douglas

Examples, stories, and metaphors are far more than icing on the cake. They are the very substance of compelling communication. Next time you prepare a speech, a report, or a proposal, remember to invest time in images and stories. You’ll be following in the footsteps of the master communicators.

Permission is granted to reprint this article when the following contact information is included: © 2010 by Bonnie Budzowski, President of InCredible Messages, LP. For more free articles, go to www.IncredibleMessages.com or contact Bonnie at info@IncredibleMessages.com.

Bonnie Budzowski, President of inCredible Messages, is a recognized expert—helping people to use influence and persuasion to sell their ideas and move business forward. Bonnie is a professional speaker, author and coach. She recently launched a new coaching project to help her clients "Write the Book of Their Dreams."

Clients appreciate Bonnie’s practical, humorous and high-energy approach. She holds an MA in Communication and has been called upon to work with corporations, entrepreneurs, universities, and associations.

If you’d like to sell your ideas, boost your influence, or advance your career through a book or presentation, call Bonnie at 412-828-1629, bonnie@inCredibleMessages.com or visit her website at www.inCredibleMessages.com. 

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