This week’s free opener is another short drama sketch. This time it’s set in a gym as Vince and Scott finish up their workout. The point is that any attempt to feel good about ourselves through outward appearances is not only futile, but doomed to failure.

Recently a reviewer of one of my books on Amazon said he didn’t get the point of the book or how short drama sketches could be used in presentations. I thought it might be good to offer a little reminder here. In my experience the point of any presentation is to impart something of value to the audience/participants/students/congregation. We are relational and emotional beings. Research demonstrates that when we can engage people’s emotions and relational experience with our presentations we have a fighting chance that they will internalize our point much more successfully. One of the best ways to connect with people is to tell a story that they can relate to. Better yet is to let them see a story…however brief…that echoes their own personal experiences.

These short dramas are written in a very conversational style that captures common human experiences. When you recruit a couple of actors to present one of these dramas the audience gets a chance to see a glimpse of themselves. Then when you share what you have for them they are more likely to be engaged. Drama communicates, ‘this is for you’.

This method might be scary to many presenters, but I challenge you to take the risk and give it a try. The worst that could happen is that your audience will share a laugh or an insight and be fully engaged when you start talking. I call these openers not only because they can be used to open your topic, but because they open your audience up making them more receptive to what you have to say. Try it and see.

Click here to download this week’s FREE Opener!