Hey Reader, If you've been learning about content creation, writing, marketing, or entrepreneurship for a while, you'll know that storytelling matters. Compared to stats, data, and facts, stories stick. Our ancestors used stories to pass on knowledge, and it's no wonder they're still the most effective way to learn, communicate, and fascinate. The problem is that telling memorable stories is hard because most of us overthink, don't know where to start, and have no idea how to tell a story that's inspiring instead of dead boring. Here's a brilliant quote that might help you think differently about stories: “Stories are about one person saying to another: This is the way it feels to me. Can you understand what I’m saying? Does it also feel this way to you?”
- Kazuo Ishiguro
I love this because it's spot-on for the kind of writing I do and teach: Educational, helpful, and personal stories that are useful, impactful, and inspiring for my readers. Can you understand what I’m saying? means you care about clearly articulating your thoughts so your reader *gets* what you're saying. The harsh truth about writing on the internet is that nobody will re-read your sentences if they don’t get what you’re saying. Does it also feel this way to you? means you care about connection. There’s an abundance of content and ideas being published every second. We all have enough books to read, videos to watch, or podcasts to listen to. Yet, most content doesn’t connect because it's repetitive, unoriginal, or unclear. 👎 Your writing will be most impactful when your reader understands what you’re saying and feels connected to your message. Both are easier to achieve through stories than facts. Here's how you can put this into action: #1. Whenever you're sharing knowledge and educating your audience, think of a personal experience or story that ties into your message. Instead of saying, "Consistency is key to success," share a story about a time when you were consistent with a habit and saw significant results. This makes your point relatable and memorable. #2. Before you publish, ask yourself, "Will my reader easily understand what I’m saying?" Read your story out loud or have someone else read it to ensure it’s clear and concise. You can also use text-to-speech tools. If something sounds weird, it needs editing. The Hemingway Editor can help you further clarify your work. #3. Remember that only connection and relatability will help you build a loyal audience in the long run. Use the language your reader is using. Talk directly to the person who's reading your piece. Use relatable examples to show that you understand your readers and care about providing value to them. Instead of saying, "Networking is important for career growth," tell a story about a specific networking event you attended. Describe your initial hesitation, how you overcame it, and the meaningful connections you made. Use stories to build clarity and connection, but bring it home by clearly articulating what the point of the story is. Don’t be afraid of stating the obvious (again). What’s clear (and easy) for you might be surprising and brand-new for your audience. With the rise of AI generation tools, showing our human sides now matters more than ever before. Anyone can create content. And you're probably not the only person in your niche. But nobody has been in your shoes. Your story is unique because it's yours. PS. Did you know that storytelling plays a huge role in Taylor Swift's music? Check out her 10-minute song All Too Well, for instance and pay close attention to the lyrics: It's a heartbreak story memorized by hundreds of millions of fans across the globe because it's clear and relatable. 👋 Want more?
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