Question

Achmed was feeling nervous about his upcoming presentation. "Remember," his friend Paula said, "you’re going to lead with that story about how you got your first bicycle, and how you fixed it up, and how that taught you the value of hard work. You know that story. You lived that story! Telling that story is going to get you right in the groove of your presentation, and it’s going to be great from there." Paula was reminding Achmed that stories have the power to:

a. Refute a claim.
b. Distract an audience.
c. Reduce speaking anxiety.
d. Enhance credibility.

Answer 1

Paula was suggesting that by starting his presentation with a personal story, Achmed could reduce his speaking anxiety and simultaneously enhance his credibility.

Step-by-step explanation:

Paula was reminding Achmed that stories have the power to reduce speaking anxiety. Stories have a unique ability to engage the audience, provide a familiar framework, and lay the foundation for a persuasive presentation which in turn can help a speaker feel more at ease.

An effective story, especially when it concerns a personal experience, can enhance credibility and establish a relatable image in the eyes of the audience. As per the given references, sharing personal narratives or relevant anecdotes is not only crucial for establishing credibility but also elicits critical thinking from the audience, proves ideas, and adds strength to the presenter’s overall message. Ultimately, personal stories can be a powerful tool to connect on a human level, thus allowing the speaker to combat nervousness and build a confident demeanor.