How classic storytelling narratives can improve your speeches

If you’re dreading writing an upcoming presentation, you can take solace in the fact that the book has already been written.

An infographic from Quid Corner offers guidance from author Christopher Booker, who posits that “everything ever written boils down to seven basic plots.” Here are a handful of enduring narratives you can use as a storytelling springboard for your next speech:

1. “Overcoming a monster.” This classic theme revolves around the “heartwarming story of courage and bravery where the hero overcomes evil against all odds.” The infographic recommends using this structure to demonstrate how you solved a major problem at work. Your “monster” could be a productivity bottleneck, a PR crisis or perhaps an aggressive possum that somehow sneaked into the kitchen.