Use Stories And Illustrations

Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables. Mark 4:33-34

Sgt. Joe Friday is famous for his line, “Just the facts, ma’am. Just the facts.” As the hard-nosed detective on the TV series Dragnet, Friday wasn’t interested in the lady’s involved story about what had happened. He only wanted to know what she had seen and heard.

That’s not how most people are wired. We love stories.

The best way to sell people on an idea is to help them visualize the result. Do you want them to buy your shoes? Tell them how good their feet will feel. Are you running a political campaign? Help people imagine a better life with your candidate in office.

People make more donations to your camp scholarship fund when you tell them about a kid whose life was changed at camp.

Jesus didn’t use PowerPoint or three-point sermons. He spoke in a way that people could relate to, and he shared stories that they could see themselves in.

Develop your ability to illustrate your points with stories.