24 Comments
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Panos's avatar

Great article but I'd love it if you could go a bit more into "Buildup". I understand instinctively how setup and payoff parts go but I think the article could have been aided with examples or detail in how buildup could be improved or managed in a more productive manner.

Experiential anecdotes of "before" and "after" might have also been nice to have.

Darius Foroux's avatar

Thanks for the feedback. Helpful for a potential follow up piece.

Gaylen Drape's avatar

Very helpful post. I like telling stories, but they don't always come out the way I want. I sometimes get too wrapped up in the minutia and lose the point. Your setup, buildup, payoff technique Is great for keeping the story connected.

Darius Foroux's avatar

Glad to hear that, Gaylen. I think a lot of us can relate to what you said about getting wrapped up in the minutia. I also have that tendency. I still find myself going on for too long. But as long as you are aware of that, you can course correct.

TaN’ya Perkins's avatar

Spot on. One of my goals this year is to learn how to articulate my thoughts. This will be the year I stop talking in circles 🙌🏾

AI Thinkpreneur's avatar

As someone who used to hide behind bloated slides, this hit a nerve. My rule now, one idea, one verb, one concrete example, then delete every sentence that sounds like I swallowed a corporate handbook. You gave people permission to sound human and sharp at the same time.

Shalini M's avatar

Being a human being, having needed human skills, working towards soul purpose, etc are vital.

Good thinking leads to good people leads to good products to good society.

You have nicely explained crucial aspects.

Many thanks.

Darius Foroux's avatar

Thanks for reading, Shalini. Glad it’s useful.

Sarbjeet Kaur's avatar

I always love your blogs because you write in a simple way. 😊 And thanks for sharing this. I never know these 3 sections of the story.

Darius Foroux's avatar

Glad to hear that!

Dr. Yulia Akisheva's avatar

The part on what doesn’t work in stories is a good addition! It’s not common to see such advice coming from personal experiences and growth.

Darius Foroux's avatar

Thanks for reading, Yulia!

Sammi Honeyfoot's avatar

Great post and an aha! moment for me. I always thought that the more details, the better someone can get a fuller picture of what I'm trying to say, but truth be told, I have seen eyes glazing over, so I think I will try using more structure as you have suggested, when relating daily stories of my day, and see how that goes. Really appreciate this new perspective you presented. - Geri Tan

Darius Foroux's avatar

Glad to hear that, Geri! Happy that it’s useful. And hope it helps.

Elizabeth Ledet's avatar

Thank you!!! Succinct and memorable.

Darius Foroux's avatar

Thanks for reading, Elizabeth!

Edward Hammond's avatar

you sound like an experienced speaker or Toastmaster----the old " Opening-Body & Close"

Nice summary of the essentials Ed Hammond

Darius Foroux's avatar

Thanks for reading, Ed. I’ve never done Toastmasters but I’ve heard good things. My inspiration comes from reading and analyzing great stories.

sal montoya's avatar

Thank you great so helpful

Darius Foroux's avatar

Glad to hear that. Thanks for reading.

aris's avatar

This reminded me of the Minto Pyramid Principle, it is basically another structure to present ideas but in hierarchy: starting with the main conclusion, then add supporting arguments and detailed evidence. It supposedly helps audiences quickly understand key messages and the logic behind them. I have found that this method captures the attention of the public more effectively tough it def takes practice.

Chukwudi Dike's avatar

..do you have an example story using this staging method?

Shraddha's avatar

Something I was actually looking for to up skill myself with, very helpful. Thank you for sharing your experience.