Presentation Skills: The Raw Power Of A Story
September 18, 2009 by Dr. Steve Bedwell
Filed under Presentation Skills
I had the privilege of speaking to around 2,500 leaders from Sutter Health this week. What was especially cool about the experience is that I got to spend a couple of days with some talented, passionate people 100% committed to improving the health of the California communities they serve.
In addition to presenting the keynote speech, I attended several excellent breakout sessions given by Sutter Health University and Sutter Health Communications. During a session on social media I saw a video that both deeply moved me and illustrated a key point about powerful storytelling. Warning: I had an ex-marine tell me he tears up every time he watches this video. (Just for the record, so did I.)
Okay, when you’ve regained your emotional composure, I’ll continue…
The Teaching Point
Doris was lovingly cared for at the Sutter North Medical Foundation Hospice. According to their website, the hospice offers “comfort-oriented care and emotional support to patients and their families when illness cannot be cured”. Now, while in the case of Sutter Health this statement is completely accurate, it’s something you can imagine reading on any hospice website.
Here’s the teaching point: The insightful people in Sutter Health Communications have added the power of an emotionally compelling story. The story of Doris and her zip-line adventure makes it abundantly clear that Sutter North Medical Foundation Hospice delivers on its promise of “comfort-oriented care and emotional support”.
What aspects of your service or product might be considered commonplace? Consider illustrating these features and benefits with an emotionally compelling story.
Incidentally, if (as I am) you’re touched by Doris’ story and feel moved to make a donation (to help this wonderful not-for-profit facility fulfill one last wish for their patients) contact:
Julie Eckardt, Fund Development Director
Tel: (530) 749-3347
Email: Julie Eckardt
As always, your comments are most welcome…
So glad you enjoyed our patient’s story. What an inspiration!
Thank you for your presentation on perspective. A wonderful lesson for those of us in health care.
Karen Garner
Sutter Health Communications Dept.
Hey Karen,
Great to hear from you.
Doris’ story is indeed an inspiration. It moved me to agree to present a two hour Perspective Power training session for the wonderful staff at Sutter North Medical Foundation Hospice and Home Health. Even after her passing, Doris’ amazing legacy continues.
Thank you for your enthusiasm for my keynote presentation. I believe passionately in the power of a fresh perspective. If our point of view really does drive every one of our thoughts, feelings and actions, then we really should learn how to manage our outlook more effectively.
So that’s my mission: To teach people how to change their perspective on any situation, at any time so they can think clearly, feel great and take effective action.
As I mentioned in my original post, you and Bill gave an excellent presentation on social media. It’s an exciting time for educators (in health care and otherwise) to begin an online dialogue.
Which is why (as I mentioned last week) I’m launching a Perspective Power forum. So, after the motivational speech, I can continue the conversation with like-minded people. Hardworking, talented individuals who are passionate about excelling in both their careers and their lives.
Exciting times indeed!
Steve,
As the Administrator for Sutter North Hospice and Home Health, I agree with everything you said above. Doris, as well as her entire family, are amazing people that we all can learn from. Her story continues to motivate our team to provide outstanding care, that starts with service that is “above and beyond’ as our norm. We are very excited to hear your presentation in October. And… thanks for helping us spread the word on the benefits of Hospice care.
A huge THANK YOU also needs to go out to the Sutter Health Communications team for doing such an outstanding job with Doris’s story.
Mark
Thanks Mark,
Your medical social worker Daniel Raudy summed it up perfectly on the video:
“Just because she’s dying doesn’t mean she can’t be living.”
It can be terribly difficult to talk to someone with a terminal illness; even someone we know very well. I have every expectation that I’ll learn as much as a teach during my visit next month.
I’m really looking forward to it,
Steve
This is a stunning presentation. Check this one out!
I was lucky enough to hear your address at the SH symposium, and heartened to hear your message. Perspective is a powerful skill (I do think it is learned), that can change any situation from unpleasant to enriching. It was great the way you presented it, and I certainly will try harder to “get a new perspective”. (I do know where the balloon went..:) )
Hey Robert,
Thanks for your enthusiastic comments. I agree wholeheartedly that anyone can learn how to change their point of view in order to think clearly, feel great and take effective action. What you need is a big-picture understanding of the need for Perspective Power (that was the objective at the Sutter Health Management Symposium) and a simple set of use-under-fire tactics. You can find a bunch of effective tactics on this website (And when my forum launches next week, an opportunity to discuss them.)
“I do know where the balloon went…” Very pleased to hear you achieved closure
Steve
I visited yet again with the family of Doris Jones this evening at our annual memorial. What a legacy this woman left for her family- indeed for all of us who had the privilege of knowing her! Thanks Steve for coming to visit us in a few weeks in order that we may glean what what you have to offer in order that we may freely give it away to others.
Hi Daniel,
I’m really looking forward to meeting you and your colleagues next week; and I’m certain learning from you all as well. I’ve told several people about your mindset regarding terminal illness: “Just because she’s dying doesn’t mean she can’t be living.”
Being able to help people escape the “It’s all over, I’m dying” narrative (which can ruin the remaining time they have to spend with family and friends) is a wonderful gift. As we’ll discuss next week, learning how to recognize and manage our toxic stories is a key element in enhancing emotional intelligence.