How to make people get the meaning of your message.

Sharing a story that connects and influences

Have you ever tried to share a story with someone, but they didn’t quite get it?

They understood the words, but the deeper meaning escaped them. You tried explaining it in different ways, but it didn’t resonate with them in a way that would make all the difference.

After several attempts, you eventually give up, saying, “Forget it, you just had to be there.” You failed to connect with them and couldn’t convey the details to create an emotional impact.

Storytelling should be strategic, especially when it comes to public speaking. It should reinforce your message. No matter how funny or interesting your story may be, it must have a purpose and clearly convey meaning.

As John Le Carré once put it, “the cat sat on the mat” is not a story, but “the cat sat on the dog’s mat” is.

What’s the difference? Well, one simply describes a fact with no inherent meaning, while the other places that fact within a context that hints at its significance — a clear part of a bigger story.

A story, as a breathing, living entity, implies conflict. It doesn’t matter if a story is short or long; it needs to carry a sense of intrigue and evoke emotion. When…