Business Storytelling with J.J. Abrams

I recently discovered the website for TED. TED is a conference where the biggest and brightest thinkers in Technology, Entertainment, and Design come together. They have their own opportunity to give an 18-minute presentation about anything they want to share. Many of the speakers use this time to tell the audience what is their main inspiration for success. They hope to share their stories and inspire others to explore, create, and believe. The main tagline for TED's brand is "Ideas Worth Spreading."

I took some time to watch some of the TED videos and got a great chance to listen to the message of some of the people who inspire me. The first video I watched was the presentation by J.J. Abrams. Abrams is a television and film producer, director, and writer. His claims to fame include LOST, Fringe, Cloverfield, Star Trek (2010), and Mission:Impossible 3.

Abrams was an amazing public speaker. He has mastered the art of storytelling and selling himself. He uses humor at the right times while also being sincere. This talent helps the audience connect with him and helps build trust. After the first few moments of the video I was hooked in. The main concept of his story was the "Mystery Box." He brought out a a big box with a question mark on it and shared the story of how he came to possess it. The box represents not only his grandfathers positive influence, but the power of mystery. Abrams is the modern-master of mystery and science-fiction. The box is a metaphor for how he creates content. He feels that what is witheld from the audience is more interesting that what is right in front of their faces.

As a long-time fan of Abrams and an amateur film maker, I was strongly inspired by watching his TED presentation. Abrams not only shares the same ideas as far as storytelling, but he displays the public speaking talents I wish to learn. He uses a free-flowing strategy in telling his story. He makes it seem like we are having a one-on-one conversation, even though he is giving a formal presentation.

When starting a business or trying to get a job, selling yourself is as important as selling your product. Abrams sold himself to the audience and showed us that he is genuine. By the end of the conference I felt like Abrams' goal was make films specifically for me. My hope is to someday be able to convey myself is the same manner as a businessman as Abrams. I hope that by telling my personal brand story, I will gain peoples trust and strong business relationships.

If you want to see the Abrams TED speech you can access it from clicking here.



http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/j_j_abrams_mystery_box.html

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0009190/bio