This morning, I attended a breakfast meeting—the good kind. You know, the ones where you actually want to be there. Great people, great food, and, from what I heard, great coffee (tea for me, obviously).
The conversation was engaging, and the guest speakers were talking about something that instantly caught my attention—storytelling.
I nodded along, made some mental notes, and went about my day.
Then, I got in my car. My audiobook, Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, started playing. And, I kid you not, the very first word I heard? “Storytelling.”
Okay, universe. I see what you’re doing.
From there, my day turned into one big storytelling marathon. First up, a meeting with a young woman where I had to explain why I joined a networking group and, even crazier, why I volunteered to lead it.
Then, a discussion about a show I’ll be hosting that’s all about sharing the stories of high-achieving professional women. Then lunch, where I’d be swapping stories with two gentlemen about who we are and what we do.
At that point, it hit me.
Almost every meaningful interaction we have is just a series of stories.
We tell people how our mornings are going, why we’re this close to a meltdown, what exciting thing we’re working on, or why we desperately need a vacation. We do this all the time. Yet, for some reason, we don’t consider storytelling a skill—unless we’re in marketing or sales.
But here’s the thing: Storytelling is everything. The best salespeople? They don’t just throw out facts and figures. They tell a story that makes people feel something.
And science backs this up—when we just hear stats, we remember almost nothing. But when we hear a story paired with data? That’s the magic combo that sticks.
So, if we’re already telling stories all day, let’s actually get good at it. Here are three ways to level up:
1. Be Vulnerable (Even If It Feels Uncomfortable at First)
People don’t connect with perfect. They connect with real. That’s why Brené Brown has us all in a chokehold—because she shares her own messy, relatable experiences. Don’t be afraid to tell the full story—the lessons, the failures, and the why behind what you do.
2. Practice, Because “Winging It” Only Works for So Long
Sure, you tell stories all the time, but are you paying attention to how people react? What gets them engaged?
What makes them laugh? What makes their eyes glaze over? Try telling the same story in different ways and see what resonates.
Storytelling is a skill, and like any skill, you’ve got to put in the reps.
3. Build a Story Vault (So You’re Not Scrambling for Words Mid-Conversation)
Ever had someone ask you, “So, how did you get into this?” and suddenly, your mind goes blank? Instead of piecing together a long-winded, slightly awkward response, have a few go-to stories ready to go.
It makes you sound more confident, polished, and, most importantly, not like you’re making it up as you go.
Final Thought:
Storytelling isn’t just for authors, TED speakers, or people trying to sell you something. It’s for everyone. Whether you’re leading a team, growing your business, or just trying to make genuine connections, your ability to tell a great story makes all the difference.
So, pay attention to the stories you tell and how you tell them. And if you ever feel stuck, just channel your inner Brené Brown. She’s got us covered.
Last modified: February 7, 2025
