The Power of Storytelling for Compelling Presentations · PDF fileMy goal in sharing this...

The Power of Storytelling for Compelling Presentations

by Melissa BalmerCopyright Melissa Balmer 2017

Image by Lisa Beth Anderson of Sofia and Ryan Johnson

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About this Power Point Presentation

This power point presentation and its notes are from my presentation “The Power of Storytelling for

Compelling Presentations” for the League of American Bicyclists’ National Bike Summit in March of 2017.

My goal in sharing this presentation with you is to help you revolutionize your own presentation skills by laying

out a step by step way you and your organization to measurable improve your presentations.

You can find an earlier version of this presentation as a video webinar here:

http://www.pedallove.org/webinars/. You can also find further storytelling tools and tips on our website here:

http://www.pedallove.org/becoming-a-masterful-storyteller/.

Please note: Please request permission to use any of the images with photo credits that aren’t of presentation

experts. The images without photo credits are either screenshots of promotional images, or from Canva.com

and can be purchased very inexpensively for your own use if you plan on using parts of this presentation with

anyone beyond your own team.

If you feel you need more guidance than what I’ve provided here I’m also happy to work with your and/or your

organization as a coach on the material. Email me: [email protected], or call me (562) 221-9672. Yours

in creating culture shift for more active, mindful mobility.

www.pedallove.org © Melissa Balmer 2017

The Power of Storytelling for Compelling Presentations by Melissa Balmer

http://www.pedallove.org/webinars/

http://www.pedallove.org/becoming-a-masterful-storyteller/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.pedallove.org/

Melissa Balmer is the Founder/Director of PedalLove.org. She

is the former Media Director for the California Bicycle Coalition.

She currently handles the marketing and media outreach for

the Electric Bike Association.

She has hosted dozens of webinars, talks and trainings on the

power of storytelling and media outreach to grow active,

sustainable, mindful mobility. She is a writer, artist, media

relations specialist, and speaker passionate about sharing the

power of storytelling to create culture shift.

Through her outreach efforts the California Bicycle Coalition,

the Electric Bike Association, and Pedal Love have been

featured in media outlets such as Associated Press, Bicycling Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, CityLab, The Los Angeles Times, Momentum Magazine, National Public Radio affiliates, Next City, Living on Earth, Reuters, Sierra Club Magazine and

others.



Image of Melissa by Lisa Beth Anderson


Presentation Notes

Slide: 5

At Pedal Love we’re dedicated to elevating the voice and impact of those working for more active,

sustainable, mindful mobility – biking, walking and public transit. We do this by offering storytelling,

leadership and media outreach tools and trainings. Our main focus is on women, but men are always

welcome too.

We believe those of us working for more active mindful mobility are part of one of the most important

conversations of our time. We want to make sure we all have the training, skills and resources we

need to make as big and powerful and positive an impact as we possibly can.

This is a big year for us at Pedal Love. We’ve shifted our focus from being a California centric

organization to expanding across the U.S. Next week we’re launching the Pedal Love Culture &

Lifestyle Council 18 month storytelling and media outreach project starting with 17 female thought

leaders in biking across the U.S., and inviting women across the country to join us in measurably

increasing the positive stories about women and bicycling.




The Pedal Love Culture & Lifestyle Council

From left four members of the Pedal Love Council: Monica Garrison Black Girls Do Bike – Pittsburg PA; Robin Bylenga of Pedal Chic – Greenville

SC; Maria Contreras Tebbutt of the Woodland Bike Campaign, - Davis CA; and Maria Boustead of Po Campo Bags – Brooklyn NY


About Pedal Love


http://www.pedallove.org/meet-the-pedal-love-culture-lifestyle-council/


Presentation Notes

Slide: 7

Let’s Tie Great Visual Allure + Storytelling Together to Give Memorable Talks

This is Chris Anderson the leader of TED who believes that public speaking is one of the most important

leadership tools of our time.

Over the past 15 years that he’s been at the helm of the organization and made it a world wide

phenomenon by first hosting some of the most creative thought leaders and changes agents on the TED

Global stage, then making the talks available for free over the Internet, and allowing people around the

world to create their own TED Global-like experiences with TEDx.

He is also the author of “TED Talks – The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking” which is a must read for

anyone who wants to be a more powerful speaker and presenter.



http://www.ted.com/

https://www.ted.com/read/ted-talks-the-official-ted-guide-to-public-speaking



“As a leader – or an advocate –public speaking is the key to unlocking empathy, stirring excitement, sharing knowledge and insights, and promoting a shared dream.”

Chris Anderson, from TED Talks - The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking


Chris Anderson from TED.com

Presentations notes

Slide: 9 - 11

Here’s the #1 thing I want you to remember from today “Approach is as Important as Content.” How you give

your presentations is as important as the information you share in them.

Each one of the mistakes I’m asking you to avoid today are mistakes I’ve made. Each one of the tools and tips

and strategies I’m asking you tried and tested. They work. Over the past three years I’ve revolutionized my

storytelling and presentation skills and I want to share exactly how with you.

The experts I’m sharing with you today aren’t bike advocates, or new urban or active living professionals for the

most part, they’re culture shifters for our U.S. culture at large and in some cases the world.

This is Amy Cuddy. Her TED Talk “Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are”

(http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are) is one of the most popular

to date with over 39 million views. A social psychologist, she has gone on to share her research on body

language in her best selling book “Presence.” This is where I got the term “Approach is As Important as

Content.” It was a concept I understand before but this phrase crystalized what I wanted to share with others to

transform their own skills. Approach works whether you’re giving a webinar, sitting on a panel, teaching a live

class or giving a keynote speech.



http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are

http://amycuddy.com/presence/


Approach is as important as content




Amy Cuddy





Amy Cuddy author of Presence





Presentations notes

Slide: 13 - 16

Here’s the #1




The Science Behind Storytelling





10 Keys to Crafting Engaging Stories






5 Ways to Put Power Into Your Powerpoints






5 Ways to Put Power Into Your Powerpoints

11 Steps to Memorable Presentations

www.pedallove.org


Presentation Notes

Slides: 18 - 19

The human brain is literally wired for storytelling, here’s how

1. Stories are easier to remember than facts alone.

Dopamine*

When the brain encounters an emotionally charged event (i.e. a story) it releases the

neurotransmitter of good feeling dopamine which makes it easier and more accurate to remember.

Recognize that emotion drives giving, including of our attention.

Cortex Activity*

Watching, listening, reading an emotionally engaging story activates more parts of the brain than

when the brain is processing facts alone. An activated brain is an engaged mind.




The human brain is wired for stories





Stories are easy to remember.




Presentation Notes

Slides: 21-22


2. Stories quiet our audience’s inner critic

According to Robert McKee, one of the world’s most respected screenwriters and storytelling

coaches, the problem with sticking to the facts in your presentations to your professional colleagues

is that while you’re presenting your data your audience might well be arguing in their heads with you

with their own facts and figures.



http://mckeestory.com/




Stories quiet the inner critic.




Presentation Notes

Slides: 21-22

The human brain is wired for stories – only stories can change hearts and minds

3. Neural Coupling *

When someone is listening to, reading or watching a story the part of the brain activates that allows

the listener/reader/watcher to turn the story into their own ideas and experience. This is why so many

of us feel the “force” within.

4. Mirroring*

When people are enjoying a story, not only those listening to, reading or watching having similar

brain activity to each other, but so is the storyteller as well. Storytelling breeds compassion.

*This information is taken from the terrific infographic “The Science of Storytelling” on OneSpot.com.

This subject has also been covered more in depth in a variety of very informative articles:

https://www.fastcompany.com/3020044/the-science-of-storytelling-how-narrative-cuts-through-

distraction

https://hbr.org/2014/10/why-your-brain-loves-good-storytelling

https://www.forbes.com/forbes/welcome/?toURL=https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevedenning/2012/03

/09/the-science-of-storytelling/&refURL=https://www.google.com/&referrer=https://www.google.com/



https://www.onespot.com/resources/the-science-of-storytelling/

https://www.fastcompany.com/3020044/the-science-of-storytelling-how-narrative-cuts-through-distraction

https://hbr.org/2014/10/why-your-brain-loves-good-storytelling

https://www.forbes.com/forbes/welcome/?toURL=https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevedenning/2012/03/09/the-science-of-storytelling/&refURL=https://www.google.com/&referrer=https://www.google.com/




Only stories change hearts & minds.

Stories quiet the inner critic.




The 10 Keys Crafting Engaging Stories




Presentation Notes

Slide: 26 - 28

1. Anyone can become a masterful storyteller.

Anyone of any age and any background. All it takes is the interest and the focus. Pedal Love Council

Member Kellie Morris is also a Leagued Certified Instructor with the League of American Bicyclies. She

became an LCI is 2013 and because of her years of experience as an I.T. training (traveling the world) she

quickly excelled and became a much sought instructor.

She and her husband Dave have been able to go completely off blood pressure medication because of

changes in their diet and leading a car-light bike-friendly lifestyle as well. For many years they shared one

car.

I knew she was storytelling gold – and I asked her to be in this photo session so we could have great

pictures of her to share as I pitched her story to different media outlets. She said “yes” on the phone but

immediately felt the mental gremlins come out to tell her that no one would want to see pictures of her.

Boy was she wrong. Fortunately she didn’t listen and images of her from this session have been shared far

and wide, including in Momentum Magazine.

>> Dig deeper from our website including more of Kellie’s story: http://www.pedallove.org/masterful-

storyteller-introduction/

The Power of Storytelling for Compelling Communications by Melissa Balmer


http://www.pedallove.org/masterful-storyteller-introduction/


1. Anyone Can Become a Masterful Storyteller


Kellie Morris by Lisa Beth Andersonwww.pedallove.org © Melissa Balmer 2017




Kellie Morris was sure no one wanted to hear her story.





Kellie Morris was sure no one wanted to hear her story.

Boy was she wrong.



Presentation Notes

Slide: 30 - 32

2. The first step to becoming a masterful storytelling is to find the heart of your story – also known as your

why.

Simon Sinek who’s TEDxPugentSound talk “Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Action” is the most

watched TEDx of all time with over 31 million views.

It’s launched him as a superstar speaker and successful business man all focused on starting with why.

And here’s a crucial point – according to best selling author and speaker Carmine Gallo whose latest best

selling book is “The Storyteller’s Secret” the power of your story isn’t in your success but in your struggle

and your overcoming.

Make sure in your presentations and communications outreach you’re sharing exactly why you and your

organization are doing this work, and what the struggle and the overcoming you’ve done (and your clients,

fans and followers have done), in order to get where you are today.



https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action

http://www.carminegallo.com/books/the-storytellers-secret/


“Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Action” Simon Sinek’s TEDX has over 27 million views.

2. Find the Heart of Your Stories



https://www.startwithwhy.com/Home.aspx



Why are you doing what you’re doing?





Why are you doing what you’re doing?

The story of your struggle& overcoming are your power.




Presentation Notes

Slide: 34-40

3. Map Your Story to the Narrative Arc or Dramatic Structure

This is also known as known as Freytag’s Pyramid. Freytag was a Nineteenth Century German novelist who

studied the common patterns in the plots of stories – he studied mostly ancient Greek plays and

Shakespeare – stories that have really stood the test of time.

1. The exposition sets the stage for the beginning of the story – when the first conflict arises.

2. The rising action is when things heat up, the challenge becomes more dangerous and real

3. The climax is the turning point where things get very tough and then turn for the better

4. Falling action is where there’s a reversal of fortune – one more challenge to overcome

5. The resolution or dénouement or conclusion in the hero’s journey



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dramatic_structure


3. Map Your Story to the Narrative ArcAlso known as Freytag’s Pyramid




3. Map Your Story to the Narrative ArcAlso known as Freytag’s Pyramid

Introduction




3. Map Your Story to the Narrative Arc

Introduction

Rising Action

Also known as Freytag’s Pyramid





Introduction

Rising Action

Climax






Introduction

Rising Action

Climax

Falling Action






Introduction

Rising Action

Climax

Falling Action

Resolution ☺





Presentation Notes

Slide: 41-43

4.Frame Your Stories for More Impact

Sometimes it’s best not to start at the very beginning with your story. Sometimes it’s best to jump in at the

heart of the action, or to reflect back, in order to give your story more dramatic impact.

In 1996 Charlie Gandy (the founder of Bike Texas, and now the Vice Chair of the California Bicycle

Coalition) was a part of the three member team who made the first request of the national bike industry to

get involved in bike advocacy on the national level.

I nicknamed this story “The Big Ask.” Charlie is a charismatic storyteller and you can here his short story of

“The Big Ask” here on youtube: https://youtu.be/PlFFKsQYvY8 His story starts at 19:00.



https://youtu.be/PlFFKsQYvY8


4. Frame for Impact

www.pedallove.org


4. Frame for Impact

Sometimes is best not to start at the very beginning.

www.pedallove.org


4. Frame for Impact

Sometimes is best not to start at the very beginning.

Focus in on the action and drama.

www.pedallove.org


Presentation Notes

Slide: 45-47

5. Use Evocative Language

Think of your story as a love letter to your audience. Use colorful, interesting, emotionally engaging and

descriptive language.

The name Pedal Love came to me in the middle of the night a few years ago when I wanted to move away

from the useful but wonky title of “Women on Bikes California.”

For us the play on “Pedal” and “Peddle” is very powerful because it’s only by peddling love that we’ll truly get

to safer, more vibrant, healthy streets for everyone rather than our current speed freak culture with drivers of

cars being considered more valuable than those walking or taking transit.









Think of your story as a loveletter to your audience.





Think of your story as a loveletter to your audience.

Use descriptive, interesting, memorablewords.




Presentation Notes

Slide: 49-52

6. Approach is as Important as Content

Remember how you present your story is as important as what’s in it. Former First Lady Michelle Obama is a

charismatic speaker who’s mastered excellent posture and hand gestures to give her talks presence, poise

and impact.

Your voice is key to being a masterful storyteller. Your tone, pacing and inflection can add tremendous interest

and drama to your storytelling. And just as anyone can become a masterful storyteller, anyone can

dramatically improve the sound and quality of their voice.

Top speech coach Carolyn Goyder breaks down how you can best use this very valuable tool in her TEDx talk

“The Surprising Secret to Speaking with Confidence.”

Maria Contreras Tebbutt is a Pedal Love Council Member who has a marvelous storytelling voice. You can

listen to her short piece on her journey to bike advocacy here: https://soundcloud.com/pedal-love/maria-

contreras-tebbutt-telling-your-story.



https://youtu.be/a2MR5XbJtXU

https://soundcloud.com/pedal-love/maria-contreras-tebbutt-telling-your-story


Michelle Obama courtesy of Buzzfeed





Michelle Obama courtesy of Buzzfeed



Your posture, gestures, & how you move matters.




Perform Engage

Workwith your voice.


Top speech coach Caroline Goyderwww.pedallove.org © Melissa Balmer 2017



Perform Engage

Work with your voice.

Harness the power of tone, pacing, and inflection for drama.


Top speech coach Caroline Goyderwww.pedallove.org © Melissa Balmer 2017


Presentation Notes

Slide: 54-55

7. Create “Aha” Moments

Throughout your narrative arc, you have opportunities to share with your audience moments that changed your

world view and will allow your readers and listeners to do so as well.

This is where hearts and minds are really changed.

Because I struggle with chronic pain and fatigue challenges I had forgotten that the bike is actually a strength

maximizer. I didn’t think I could ride a bike again and get anywhere I really wanted to go. It took my then friend

and now partner Charlie Gandy six months to convince me to go on a bike ride with him. I hadn’t been on a

bike in over 35 years.









Offer an opportunity to see the world differently.

www.pedallove.org


Presentation Notes

Slide: 57-58

8. Always Have a Call to Action

What do you want people to do because of you sharing your story? Make it very very clear.




8. Have a Clear Call to Action

Perform Engage





Perform Engage

What do you want your audience to do?




Presentation Notes

Slide: 61-64

9. Shorter is Sweeter

Here’s some food for thought. No scene in an average movie is over 3 minutes long, and TED talks are

formatted from between 8 and 20 minutes long, because that’s how long research shows that our human

attention span can focus on one topic for.

Your elevator or phone pitch – 30 to 60 seconds

2-3 minutes personal story, or story of how your work, or your organization’s work is

Helping others

Your personal story 2 to max 6 minutes max for a longer presentation such as a keynote is the advice from

best selling author and motivational guru Lisa Nichols.








30 – 60seconds

Elevator Pitch


9. Shorter is Sweeter – Story Lengths to Prep



30 – 60seconds

2-3minutes

Elevator Pitch Panels/Conversations





30 – 60seconds

2-3minutes

6minutes

max

Elevator Pitch Panels/Conversations Key Note





Presentation Notes

Slide: 65

10. Only Practice Makes Perfect

Seth Godin is right when he points out that it takes more than being right to earn attention and action.

Why should we listen to Seth? He’s the creator or permission based email marketing and a multi best selling

author who approaches marketing as a form of service. He’s a change agent and thought leader who is one of

the few people who’s spoken at TED Global multiple times.

Food for thought: TED Global works for 6-9 months with speakers before putting them on their international

platform for all of the world to see.

There’s a reason why so few TEDx talks have reached the level of Simon Sinek’s. They simple weren’t that

polished and powerful to be that popular.

What time and effort will it take you to get your storytelling to the next level? And then the next level after that?






“…It takes more than being right to earn attention and action.”

Seth GodinTED speaker, best selling author, and change agent



“The key to a great Powerpoint presentation is big fonts and big graphics.”

Guy Kawasaki “Lessons of Steve Jobs” TEDxUCSD

Putting Power Into Your Powerpoints




Presentation Notes

Slide: 68-69

1. Your powerpoint isn’t your presentation. You are. Think of your powerpoint as the accompanying music to your presentation. A

beautifully crafted powerpoint makes you look great, a poorly crafted one detracts from what you’re sharing and makes your audience

feel you didn’t care enough to do your very best. Showing up with a less than polished powerpoint for any presentation – even one

you’re giving for free – really detracts from the power of your message.




1. Your Powerpoint Isn’t Your Presentation.


You are.

ww.pedallove.orgwww.pedallove.org © Melissa Balmer 2017


1. Your Powerpoint Isn’t Your Presentation.


You are.

Your Powerpoint is your accompanying score.



Presentation Notes

Slide: 71-74

2. Create a Style Guide for Your Presentations

AKA Use One Format for Your Entire Presentation

Don’t cobble together slides from different presentations and then to forget to create one overall look and feel, or format. I recommend

you create something called a “style guide” for all of your organization’s powerpoints so they’re always polished and professional.

Decide ahead of time on the template for all of your presentations so you don’t need to reinvent the look and feel each time.

One Color Palette with No More than 3 Colors

You can use different shades within those three colors (which is what I’ve done today) but don’t go all over the place with your color

scheme to be dynamic. It’s jarring to the eye. Also, make sure your color palette either matches or complements your logo.

Use 32 pt. Font Size as Your Touch Stone for Text Size on Your Screen Even for a Webinar.

It keeps you from crowding your screen and it make sure everyone can read what you’ve shared.

Keep the Different Types of fonts You Use to a Minimal

I’m sticking to two different ones today. And use clear easy to read fonts. Above all make sure your powerpoint slides are clear, clean

and easily legible.




One Format

3Colors

32 &Clear

Visual Music


2. Creating Visual Allure with a Style Guide



One Format

32 &Clear


32pointfont


One Templatewww.pedallove.org

One Format

32 &Clear


Uniform color palette


One Templatewww.pedallove.org

One Format

32 &Clear


32pointfont

Uniform color palette MinimumOne Template


www.pedallove.org

Presentation Notes

Slide: 76

3. Use Stylishly Complimentary Clipart & Photography

You need to recognize the world has been going through a digital design revolution. Just as advocates and

professionals for biking and walking have been radically rethinking their websites and email

newsletters it’s time to radically revamp the look and feel of our powerpoints.

And for that we need great images – photos, clipart and graphics.

Why are great images so important to our powerpoints over overall? The human brain processes images 60x

faster than words.




One

Format

3

Colors

32 &

Clear

Notice a theme here?

3. Use Stylishly Complimentary Clipart

& Images




Presentation Notes

Slide: 78-80

4. Use Emotionally Engaging Imagery

Use clipart and photos that have emotional resonance for what you’re talking about and whose look and feel

work well together.

I purchased the previous hand-drawn images from Creative Market because I liked the fun way they represent

what I’m talking about – with a fun use of a heart to show off that my organization is about peddling love.

I want to stop for a moment here and say that while I’m so proud of the evolution of the look and feel of the

graphics and design of many biking, walking and public transit advocacy websites, email newsletters, and

other outreach efforts it’s time for our industry across the board to grow up and recognize the need to pay

creatives for their talent.

Let’s start building the real world costs of talented graphic designers, photographers, videographers and other

creatives into our overall budgets – if we do, and if we exponentially raise the look and feel of what we’re

producing I am convinced it will exponentially increase our positive impact.





Jenna Burton Co-Founder Red, Bike & Green Oakland.

PhotographerLisa Beth Anderson





Charlie Gandy of the California Bicycle Coalition and Claudia Wasko of Bosch eBikesUSA.

Photographer:Allan Crawford




4. Use Emotionally

Engaging Imagery


Models for the Bike Long Beach Campaign in 2012.

Photographer:Allan Crawford



Presentation Notes

Slide: 82-86

5. Keep Your Visuals Simple

Photography

As often as possible go for one great clear photo per slide. I know our work involves a lot of infrastructure but

as often as possible make sure the people are facing front and even better if they’re smiling.

Tired, unhappy people in images don’t sell the improved quality of life concept that biking, walking and taking

transit make possible.

Even if you don’t have a professional photographer or graphic designer on your team great images are now

available for very low cost. Many of the images I’ve used in this presentation are from Canva.com.

The image here is of Ryan and Sofia Johnson of Los Angeles from a photo session Lisa Beth Anderson took

for Pedal Love for a special social media campaign for Metro Los Angeles.




www.pedallove.org

Support Highlight Engage



Presentation Notes

Slide: 82-86


Photography with Text

Don’t get too artsy. I see this all the time. We can’t read this.

Better – now we’ve added a background that allows us to see the font + raised it to 32 points.

Best – simply clear and easy to digest.




www.pedallove.org


5. Keep Your Visuals Simple – Don’t

Simplify - Use text and bullet points sparingly on your slides –make sure there’s plenty of white space so that your text doesn’t crowd your images.

Make sure the images and clip art you share are clear, crisp and have emotional resonance for your topic.


www.pedallove.org


Simplify - use text and bullet points sparingly on your slides

Engage – use crisp clear images and graphics


5. Keep Your Visuals Simple – Better

www.pedallove.org


Highlight with engaging images & key text


5. Keep Your Visuals Simple – Best

Presentation Notes

Slide: 88-91

11 Steps to Giving Memorable Presentations

1. Have a Clear Mission

Have a clear purpose for your presentation. It’s also called a through line. Can anyone guess what mine is for

this presentation?




11 Steps to Giving Memorable Presentations



Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. courtesy of National Geographic www.pedallove.org © Melissa Balmer 2017


Presentation Notes

Slide: 90-91

1. Have a Clear Call Mission

What’s your through line? What’s your presentation’s purpose?






What’s your presentation’s purpose?




What’s your presentation’s purpose?

Have a clear through line.




Presentation Notes

Slide: 93-96

2. Flip the Script On What A Presentation Is

Think of it as a gift to your audience. Your present to them. Your gift to them.

The best presentations are a cross between a conversation and a performance. Even if you need to use notes

make sure you take breaks to make eye contact, and give dramatic pause.

I’ll introduce presentation czarina Nancy Duarte shortly – for right now just know she recommends no one

present a report as a presentation. Hand out the report – the presentation is only the highlights.




2. Rethink what a “present”ation means

Think of it as a gift





It’s a cross between a conversation & a performance.






It’s a cross between a conversation & a performance.

Hand out the report, give your presentation.





Presentation Notes

Slide: 93-96


Think of it as a gift to your audience. Your present to them. Your gift to them.

The best presentations are a cross between a conversation and a performance. Even if you need to use notes

make sure you take breaks to make eye contact, and give dramatic pause.

I’ll introduce presentation czarina Nancy Duarte shortly – for right now just know she recommends no one

present a report as a presentation. Hand out the report – the presentation is only the highlights.







Remember your posture & movement.

Amy Cuddy – again!





Harness the power of your voice.

www.pedallove.org © Melissa Balmer 2017Amy Cuddy – again!





Harness the power of your voice.

Record & videotape yourself.

www.pedallove.org © Melissa Balmer 2017Amy Cuddy – again!


Presentation Notes

Slide: 100-103

4. Simplify Your Language

Let go of your jargon and special vernacular. Use metaphors to make unfamiliar concepts easy to understand.

When I first heard that Long Beach was putting in a “Cycle Track” I was very confused. I couldn’t see how a

cycling sport facility could fit in the area they were talking about.

Once someone explained they were “separated” or “protected” bike lanes I got it - and now thankfully this is

the term most used.

Understand that for most people in the U.S. cycling means the sport of cycling. Recognize that you’re making a

lot of people feel uninvited, or simply your words won’t interest them as much when you use the term cyclist.

Most people consider themselves people who like to ride bikes.

We’re really bad about this in advocacy. We nickname our group “The Bike Coalition” when we’re actually a

coalition for a very specific region. We rattle off the LACBC, the League, CalBike etc.




Cut the vernacular.


4. Simplify your Language



Cut the vernacular

Use metaphors to clarify.






Cut the vernacular

Use metaphors to clarify.

Avoid acronyms.




Presentation Notes

Slide: 100-103


Again remember that TED Global has asked people to give talks from 8-20 minutes long because that’s what

the human attention span can handle.

Less is more. Leave people wanting more of you rather than being overwhelmed by you.





Less is more.





Less is more.

Leave your audience time for their specific questions.





Less is more.

Leave your audience time for their specific questions.

Leave them hungry for more.




Presentation Notes

Slide: 109-112


Just as you do with creating great stories, use descriptive, evocative language. Drop overused words in

exchange for ones that are more interesting and colorful

Repeat key words phrases to emphasize your point and make it easier for people to remember – Martin Luther

King Jr. was a master of this.

On that note listen to how great speakers use language. Listen to I have a Dream. Watch the top TED talks.

Pay attention to your favorite radio hosts. What are they doing with their voices that makes them appealing to

listen to? Record yourself and see what you can do to make your voice more compelling. I guarantee you can

make some pretty dramatic improvements. I know. I’ve done it.









Think of it as a love letter.






Repeat key words & phrases.






Repeat key words and phrases.

Listen to great speakers.




Presentation Notes

Slide: 114-115

7. Layer Your Presentation with Storytelling

Go through your presentation and find places to layer in short stories, just as you put something sweet

between the layers of a cake to make it more delicious.

Even tiny snippets of stories can bring emotional resonance to your data and statistics.

I’m keen on getting more people for active, mindful mobility to share their stories because we really a broader

array of stories to be told to engage a broader audience. This is especially true of getting more women of all

ages and races and backgrounds.

It took Charlie six months to convince me that I could ride a bike again. I had given up my car in 2007 for both

health and financial reasons which was relatively easy to do because my hometown of Long Beach has a very

good public transit system. I was watching a dynamic bike culture blooming around me as I walked and rode

the bus for my meetings and errands, but I had forgotten that the bike is a strength maximizer. I wasn’t afraid

to ride a bike again. I knew I could. But I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to go anywhere that made it worth while.

Now I ride my bike to meetings and events often several times a week.




7. Layer Your Presentation with Stories


Build your presentation like a cake.




7. Layer Your Presentation with Stories


Build your presentation like a cake.

Layer stories throughout to illustrate data & key points.




Presentation Notes

Slide: 117-122

8. Next Shape Your Presentation

Nancy Duarte head of Duarte Communications teaches very talented people how to give the presentations of

their lives. She and her team worked with Al Gore on the presentation for An Inconvenient Truth.

studied and discovered that the shape of some of the most memorable talks such as Martin Luther King’s I

Have a Dream, the Gettysberg Address and Steve Jobs iPhone product launch all share similar characteristics.

They start with what is now that’s such a problem and compare and contrast today with their vision of what can

be, or what this project or product made possible.

They build drama and support by going back and forth between the two.

I give you a short sweet version of that in these slides – but I encourage you to watch Nancy’s great TEDxEast

“The Secret Shape of Great Talks.”



https://youtu.be/1nYFpuc2Umk


8. Shape Your Presentation

Support Engage


Nancy Duarte studied the verbal shape of some of the greatest speech’s of all time.


Nancy Duarte



Support Engage


Nancy Duarte studied the verbal shape of some of the greatest speech’s of all time.

They all have similar shapes.


Nancy Duarte



Support Engage





Support Engage

What is

What can be





Support Engage

What is

What can be

Contrast

What is

What can be

Contrast





Support Engage

What is

What can be

Contrast

What is What is What is

What can be What can be

Contrast

Happy Future




Presentation Notes

Slide: 126

9. End with Future Bliss

Right now active, mindful mobility is a movement in the U.S. of very smart, dedicated, passionate people who

will create true culture shift in how Americans travel if we can transform our communication skills and become

truly compelling for broader and broader audiences.

To change hearts and minds you have to paint a picture for your audience with your images with your words

with your stories. How do we move away from congestion, pollution, diabetes and asthma?

Active, sustainable, mindful mobility.




9. End With the New Bliss

Perform Engage

Paint a rosy picture of what the future can be.




Presentation Notes

Slide: 126


What is a very concrete step someone can take from watching you speak? Can they sign up for your

newsletter? Can they follow you on Twitter? Can they attend an event? Can they call a congressman?





Perform Engage

What do you want your audience to do?




Presentation Notes

Slide: 126


Remember that the TED Global team works for 6-8 months with a speaker before setting them loose on the big

TED stage.

Imagine what will happen for active, sustainable, mindful mobility when our talks on biking and walking and

public transit are not just at the TEDx level but TED Global.

Something I’ve noticed about many of us working in active mindful mobility is that we’re chronically overbooked

and we often wait until the last minute to finish preparing for a live talk.

And in the past I’ve been as guilty as anyone else. I’m asking us now to raise our game on everything from our

live presentations, our email newlsetters, our panels to keynotes and everything in between. Let’s give

ourselves time to learn the skills we need

I invite you to consider digging in and going deeper. We need your voice to create culture shift. We need you

to help change hearts and minds.





Give your presentations time to flourish.





Give your presentations time to flourish.

Create a support networkfor excellence.




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