This article echoes something I recently learned about using stories in public speeches. You have to stay focused on the point, NOT the narrative, and you have to let your audience fill in the emotions.

Knowing what your audience wants to know is also very good advice. These days, when I think someone is covering something I already know, I automatically tune them out. 

Loyalty 360: Social Storytelling for Business, 2011-Oct-27, by Todd Wilms

1. Know the point of the story.

2. Know what your audience is looking to discover.

3. Know when to quit.