Ep. 26: Japanese principles behind meaningful presentations and storytelling with Garr Reynolds

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode we are joined by Garr Reynolds. Garr is an internationally acclaimed communications consultant and the author of best-selling books including the award-winning Presentation Zen, Presentation Zen Design, and the Naked Presenter. Garr’s approach to communication takes the principles and lessons from simplicity and traditional arts in Japan to reveal clear, concrete tips for communicating — and living — better. His approach has inspired people all over the world to communicate more clearly, creatively, and visually. In this episode, we explore what has and has not changed since he first launched Presentation Zen in 2007 and authentic storytelling in the age of Corona.

Before I knew Garr as a sought-after speaker and consultant, I knew him as ガー先生 and my professor at Kansai Gaidai University. Garr was perhaps the first person to point me in the direction of Design Thinking. My life would be drastically different if I had not attend his classes all those years ago, and I hope that the next hour has somewhat of the same affect on you.

Please share you thoughts, comments and takeaways with me on your social media platform.

Let's begin!

💡 04:00  |  An introduction to storytelling and
💡12:30  |  Presentation Zen 2007 and today.
💡20:20  |  Storytelling as a core competency in business; marketing is not just for the marketing department.
💡27:00  |  Winning someone's attention; What's in it for them?
💡31:06  |  Building trust as a storyteller
💡34:30  |  If you want to do a TED talk you probably shouldn't do a TED talk
💡37:30  |  Telling your story; people with disabilities have greater access
💡40:30  |  Solicited creativity and developing buying (nemawashi) for your idea
💡43:10  |  Know your audience; how building presentations is like a Beethoven symphony
💡50:40  |  Your audience wants to feel smart; help them get your point.
💡55:00  |  Points for telling a better story in your next presentation.
💡57:30  |  Humor in Japan; yes or no?


Follow Garr on:
Twitter (https://twitter.com/presentationzen)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/garrreynolds)
Books via his website (https://www.presentationzen.com)