In addition, savvy learning professionals who pay attention to neuroscience research recognize that the more brain cells are connecting during a learning process, the more likely it is that the learner will remember and apply the learning after the event. For example, the brain's emotional system is closely linked to other systems in the brain and the body, meaning there are lots of neural connections associated with our emotions. Therefore, in addition to creating movement and discussion, it makes sense to connect with the learner on an emotional level.

Any trainer or business presenter can learn to use the strategy of storytelling, which captures the attention of a learner and stirs their emotions. Recognizing these facts, I set out to improve my storytelling competency. I attended a presentation at our local ASTD chapter by speaker, trainer, and author Doug Stevenson. One technique he demonstrated, called the “Two Character Two Step,” is used to bring to life the dialogue and emotion of two distinct characters in a story. Seeing the demonstration convinced me to buy the book so I could understand the other techniques that he didn’t have time to cover.

A feature that makes this book reader friendly is the introductory quiz, which asks prospective readers 18 questions in order to help them decide whether reading the book would be beneficial. The 27 chapters are divided into six parts:

• I. Understanding that Storytelling Is Your Passport to Professional Success
• II. Use the Story Theater Method to Make Your Presentations Come Alive
• III. Choose the Right Story
• IV. Craft a Compelling Story
• V. Put Your Story on Its Feet
• VI. Present Stories that Capture and Keep Attention

To give you a taste of the level of detail Stevenson provides, here is a three-paragraph excerpt from Chapter 22, Conduct “Walk and Talk” Rehearsals:

Whoever came up with the absurd notion of rehearsing in front of a mirror was a well- intentioned idiot! Unless your entire wall is covered with mirrors from head to toe, it is a completely ineffective way to rehearse. All it accomplishes is to make you more self-conscious. You get so distracted and obsessed about how big your nose is and how much weight you need to lose or gain that you can’t concentrate on what you’re saying. All you’re concerned about is how you look—which is not congruent with being a spellbinding speaker.

The best way to rehearse is to walk and talk. Rise up out of that chair, push away from the computer, and get out from behind that desk. Take your notes with you. Stop and re-read them when you have to, until you memorize them and your content and ideas flow naturally out of your mouth and mind.

When you walk and talk, you integrate your movements and gestures with your material. Your body language will spontaneously evolve from the context of the story. As mentioned before, you won’t be able to help it. If you stay seated and rehearse by staring at your script, this will remain an intellectual exercise. You will be practicing your words but not your presentation style.

The presentation of content in this book, as illustrated in these three paragraphs, works on another level of learning. It acts as an unspoken model of how to gain an audience’s attention and give them meaningful information.

In the first paragraph of the excerpt, Stevenson grabs attention by using emotion and humor when he pokes fun at our vanity. In the second paragraph he instructs us and describes the setting: our desk. After he has gained our attention and painted a vivid picture of what to do, he gives us a logical reason for this method of rehearsal. Stevenson’s writing in this excerpt demonstrates a truth many presenters forget: People cannot hear the logic of our argument if we haven’t gained their attention.

Several books are available on storytelling. This book stands out from others because of Stevenson’s focus—combining movement and emotional expression, a technique that allows the listener to experience the story as if the event where happening to themselves. This kind of connection closes the space between speaker and listener.

Recommendation
Are you a trainer or a business presenter who has not yet mastered the art of telling a story to evoke a sympathetic audience response? I recommend Never Be Boring Again to you as a place to begin learning. However, unless you are a highly self-directed learner, you will need to attend a workshop on this topic. This fact doesn’t take away from the book’s instructional value; it is just the nature of learning a new skill. I would rate any book attempting to teach a new skill as average in terms of self-study value because no book by itself can replace the feedback-rich environment of a live workshop.