How to Craft Audience-Centric Stories

Is your customer your hero? Be honest. Are you actually making them the hero of your story, or are you just talking about how great you are? Because if you are running a hotel, a cruise line, or a restaurant and the story is still about you, you are already losing. The reality is simple. Nobody cares about your marble lobby, your new menu, or your “award-winning” service unless it makes them feel something. Your guest, your passenger, your diner, they are the main character, and you are either building a story where they win or you are just background noise. Here is how you make them the hero, and yes, it is tactical. Stop guessing what they want and start obsessively listening. Audit every guest touchpoint. Ask yourself, where do they feel seen, heard, and valued? If you cannot answer that, you need to rewire your entire customer journey. Train your staff to stop saying, “This is our policy,” and start saying, “Here is how we can make this right for you.” Teach your employees to remember names, favorite drinks, even pillow preferences. Aman Hotels does this brilliantly with guest preference tracking. They treat repeat guests like VIPs because they collect and act on every detail, and it works. That is what makes a guest feel like the hero. Next, your marketing. If your social media is just room photos, stop now. Show your guest experience through their eyes. Share stories of guests celebrating milestones, of guests discovering something magical because your team made it happen. Put the spotlight on them. User-generated content should not be an afterthought. It should be a core strategy because nothing screams “hero” louder than seeing yourself in the story. Empower your employees to be part of this hero-making process. Pay them well, treat them like humans, elevate them to superstar status. Happy employees make happy heroes because their energy transfers directly to the guest experience. If you are not investing in your staff, you are silently telling your customers that they are not worth it either. And here is the punchline. When you make your customer the hero, you win. They spend more, they tell everyone about you, and they come back. You do not need another ad campaign. You need to shift your mindset from “Look how amazing we are” to “Look how amazing we make you feel.” That is the entire game. So I am asking you again, hospitality leaders, is your customer really the hero in your story, or are you still too busy trying to be the hero yourself? Because only one of you can hold that title, and if it is you, you are doing it wrong. --- I’m Scott Eddy, keynote speaker, social media strategist, and the #15 hospitality influencer in the world. I help hotels, cruise lines, and destinations tell stories that drive revenue and lasting results through strategy, social media workshops, content, and unforgettable photoshoots. If you like the way I look at the world of hospitality, let’s have a chat about working together: scott@mrscotteddy.com

Many amazing presenters fall into the trap of believing their data will speak for itself. But it never does… Our brains aren't spreadsheets, they're story processors. You may understand the importance of your data, but don't assume others do too. The truth is, data alone doesn't persuade…but the impact it has on your audience's lives does. Your job is to tell that story in your presentation. Here are a few steps to help transform your data into a story: 1. Formulate your Data Point of View. Your "DataPOV" is the big idea that all your data supports. It's not a finding; it's a clear recommendation based on what the data is telling you. Instead of "Our turnover rate increased 15% this quarter," your DataPOV might be "We need to invest $200K in management training because exit interviews show poor leadership is causing $1.2M in turnover costs." This becomes the north star for every slide, chart, and talking point. 2. Turn your DataPOV into a narrative arc. Build a complete story structure that moves from "what is" to "what could be." Open with current reality (supported by your data), build tension by showing what's at stake if nothing changes, then resolve with your recommended action. Every data point should advance this narrative, not just exist as isolated information. 3. Know your audience's decision-making role. Tailor your story based on whether your audience is a decision-maker, influencer, or implementer. Executives want clear implications and next steps. Match your storytelling pattern to their role and what you need from them. 4. Humanize your data. Behind every data point is a person with hopes, challenges, and aspirations. Instead of saying "60% of users requested this feature," share how specific individuals are struggling without it. The difference between being heard and being remembered comes down to this simple shift from stats to stories. Next time you're preparing to present data, ask yourself: "Is this just a data dump, or am I guiding my audience toward a new way of thinking?" #DataStorytelling #LeadershipCommunication #CommunicationSkills

The art of storytelling in LinkedIn posts. Storytelling isn't just for novelists or filmmakers—it's a powerful tool for professionals on LinkedIn. Why? Because stories resonate. They engage, inspire, and convert. Stories convey values, build connections, and make your message memorable. On LinkedIn, this translates to posts that catch attention and drive action. Examples of Compelling Stories ➡️ The Problem-Solver: Share a challenge you faced with a client or a common pain point for your audience and how you overcame it. Detail the problem, the steps you took, and the outcome. This showcases your problem-solving skills and builds trust with your audience. ➡️ The Customer Success Story: Highlight a client’s journey from struggle to success with your help. Focus on their initial problem, your solution, and their success. This positions you as a reliable expert who delivers results. ➡️ The Personal Anecdote: Relate a personal story that ties into a professional lesson. For example, how your experience in the army taught you resilience that now benefits your project management. This humanizes you and makes your profile more relatable. Tips for Effective Storytelling ~ Be Authentic: Authenticity builds trust. Share real stories and genuine experiences. ~ Engage Emotions: Emotions drive decisions. Tap into your audience’s feelings. ~ Keep it Relevant: Ensure your story aligns with your professional brand and message. ~ Conclude with a Call to Action: Guide your audience on what to do next—whether it’s engaging with your content, connecting with you, or sharing their own stories. In the sea of content on LinkedIn, a compelling story stands out. It cuts through the noise, creating a lasting impression and fostering deeper connections. How are you using storytelling in your content? #storytelling #contentmarketing #linkedinposts

The power of storytelling isn't just in the tale you tell. It's in the response you evoke. Want to move people to action? Here's how. Forget long-winded introductions. They know who you are, so start in the middle of the action. Imagine this: You're standing on stage, heart pounding. The audience is silent, waiting. You take a deep breath and.... just begin painting a vivid picture. That's how you grab attention. No background needed. Now, don't just tell, show. Details make your story real. They transport your audience. But skip the statistics and focus on what you felt, heard, see. For example... "The red velvet curtains rustle. A faint scent of beer lingers in the air. Your palms are sweaty against the cool microphone." But here's the secret sauce: tension or a twist. Keep them guessing. Build anticipation. For example... "You hear it. The heckler. There is always one in the crowd, and usually you take it personally. But this time you're ready, and your stand-up comedy routine is, too." Your story needs a destination. But forget the "moral of the story." Instead, end with a call to action. A "let's" statement. "Let's rewrite our stories to turn life's hecklers into a positive. Let's be prepared. Let's start now." This moves your audience from passive listeners to active participants. Remember: 1. Start in the middle 2. Include vivid details 3. Add tension or a twist 4. End with a "let's" statement Master these elements, and you'll do more than tell stories. You'll inspire action. You'll create change. You'll move people. Next time you communicate, whether in a presentation, an email, or a casual conversation, try this approach. Watch as your words transform from mere information to catalysts for commitment.

Steve Jobs once said: "The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller." But most people don’t know how to tell a good story. 10 storytelling techniques to make you unstoppable in business and life: 1. Highlight The Problem Jobs highlighted user frustrations with existing tech. Identify your audience's pain points. Address them directly to build excitement for your solution. Make your audience nod along, thinking "Yes, that's exactly my issue!" 2. Build Anticipation Jobs teased "3 revolutionary products" before revealing they were all one device, the iPhone. Create suspense. Make your audience crave what comes next. Don't give everything away at once. Leave them wanting more. 3. Show Don’t Tell Jobs didn't just describe iPhone features. He demoed them live. Use visuals, demos, and storytelling to make concepts tangible. Let your audience experience your solution. Bring your ideas to life. 4. Use Strategic Repetition "An iPod, a phone, and an internet communicator" - Jobs repeated this to drive home the iPhone's 3-in-1 value. Repeat your key message creatively, not robotically. Make it stick. Make it memorable. 5. Connect To A Larger Vision Jobs tied the iPhone to Apple's history of revolutionary products, changing its name from "Apple Computer" to "Apple." Your offer should serve a bigger vision and mission that you share with your customers. Show them the forest, not just the trees. 6. Make It Personal "I didn't sleep a wink last night, I was so excited," Jobs shared. Vulnerability creates connection. Let your audience see the human behind the product. Your authenticity is your secret sales weapon. 7. Close With Inspiration Jobs ended with Wayne Gretzky's quote: "I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been." Leave your audience inspired and motivated to take action. Give them a vision of the future they can't resist being part of. 8. Practice Relentlessly Jobs rehearsed for hours, perfecting every detail. Great storytelling looks effortless, but it's the result of deliberate practice. Treat your presentations like an athlete treats training. Repetition breeds excellence. 9. Simplify Complex Ideas Jobs made revolutionary tech accessible to everyone. Your audience shouldn't need a PhD to understand your value proposition. If you can’t explain your idea to a 5-year-old, simplify it until you can. 10. Create An Experience Jobs didn't just launch a product. He crafted an unforgettable moment. Turn your pitch into an immersive experience. Engage all senses. Make your audience feel like they're part of something special. __ Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want to learn how to build a sustainable founder-led brand that grows, even when you’re not around? Join my free live Workshop on August 21st (10 days away) to steal my homework: https://lnkd.in/ea_FWvJH

The most overlooked growth strategy for B2B executives, leaders, and coaches... 🎥 Creating content that feels personal — but scales like crazy. One creator went from 3,000 to 140,000 subscribers (and made $15K+ from one video) not with flashy tricks — but with a story built for connection. Here’s how to make it work for your business, your brand, or your message: 🔹 1. Capture Attention with Purpose Before your story can connect, it has to stand out. Here are 3 proven ways to stop the scroll on YouTube: ✅ Lead with a tension-filled title. Think of it like a promise wrapped in a question. “I wasted 30 years learning this” makes you need the answer. ✅ Use emotion-first imagery. Skip the over-posed faces. A subtle, authentic expression (like reflection or quiet frustration) feels real — and people trust real. ✅ Embrace imperfection. Surprisingly, a thumbnail that feels homemade can build trust. It signals, “I’m one of you,” not a polished ad campaign. People aren’t looking for flashy — they’re looking for honest. And honest grabs attention in a sea of over-edited noise. 🔹 2. Tell a Microstory That Mirrors Your Audience Use the Microstory Blueprint — a 3-part structure that transforms a personal moment into a magnetic message: ✅ Mirror the Struggle Start with a feeling your audience already knows — doubt, burnout, pressure to succeed. When they hear it, they’ll say, “That’s me.” ✅ Reveal the Shift Now bring it in close. Share a specific moment from your own life when things clicked, broke down, or changed direction. Let them see you in it. ✅ Reflect it Back Out Zoom out and connect your moment to a larger truth — something your audience can carry into their life. When you use the Microstory Blueprint, your content doesn’t just inform — it resonates. You’re not sharing tips. You’re sharing transformation. 🔹 3. Focus on One Thing That Truly Matters Instead of trying to please everyone, focus on one meaningful message that speaks directly to one person who needs to hear it most. Inspired by the book The One Thing by Gary Keller, here are 3 tips to keep your content focused and powerful: ✅ Ask: “What’s the ONE message I want them to walk away with?” Strip away the extras. Clarity beats complexity every time. ✅ Speak to one person — not a crowd. Your video isn’t for everyone. It's for the version of you who needed help a few years ago. That’s who you’re talking to. ✅ Cut what doesn’t serve the One Thing. Every sentence, image, and moment should support the core idea. If it distracts, delete it. In the age of distractions, focus builds trust. And trust builds an audience. Final Thought: Executives and coaches often ask, “What’s the best content strategy for building trust at scale?” This is it. Tell one powerful story. Make one strong point. Aim it at one person who truly needs to hear it. Because one clear story, told well — beats 100 tactics told forgettable. ♻️ Share if this hit home

My LinkedIn content got 145,022 views in 7 days. The crazy part? I don’t even have a big audience (yet). 1 thing that’s helped me expand my reach. Better storytelling! I learned some storytelling techniques from my new favorite book “Storyworthy” by Matthew Dicks. This book has been a game-changer for my writing. Here are 7 storytelling principles from Storyworthy that helped me get 145k views in 7 days. (steal them!) 1) 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝘀 𝗮 5-𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 - Great stories hinge on a single, transformative moment. - It’s that moment when everything changes. - For example, in one of my recent carousels, I showed how formatting can 4x reach. It’s a powerful realization for those who don’t think about mobile formatting. 2) 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗕𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗱 - “I was once this, but now I am this. I once thought this, but now I think this. I once felt this, but now I feel this.” - Posts that showcase a transformation are inherently compelling. - Highlighting the journey from A to B can be really powerful. 3) 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 - “Stakes are the reason an audience wants to hear your next sentence. They are the difference between a story that grabs the audience by the throat and holds on tight and one that an audience can take or leave.” 4) 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗛𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁 - This is about signaling to the audience what a story is about. - It’s about being direct and upfront. - Don’t “burying the lead” on LinkedIn — get straight to the point. 5) 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗲 - Set the scene for your story.  - Creating more vivid imagery (and visuals) in posts can have a big impact. Even my first attempt at this got 10k views. 6) 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 "𝗕𝘂𝘁" 𝗮𝗻𝗱 "𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲" - “And” stories have no movement or momentum. They are equivalent to running on a treadmill.” - I've been trying to be more intentional about using "but" and "therefore" to create movement. - It's a simple thing, but it makes a big difference in terms of engagement. 7) 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆? 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗜𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲. - Some of my most successful posts have been about small, relatable moments. - Like the post about how kids feel when they get hurt - it wasn't about a big, dramatic event, but it resonated because it was so universal. I'm no storytelling guru. I'm still learning and experimenting and I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences too. Feel free to leave a comment below 👇 If any of this resonates with you, I highly recommend checking out "Storyworthy" by Matthew Dicks. It's a huge inspiration for me. Don't be afraid to try, fail, and learn. That's what I'm doing here every day. ✌️ — 👋 I’m Michael Jaindl. A tech CRO w/ $1B+ in exits. ♻️ Repost this if it's helpful.

I was chatting with a couple of CEOs this week who aspire to speak on more stages in the future. As we were discussing their delivery techniques, I noticed that they (like most beginning speakers) didn't have a clear framework for their talk segments (or sections) that would allow their message to flow perfectly and ultimately move their audience to action. Seeing this, I taught them a framework I've been using (and teaching others) for years, and it's an incredibly simple yet effective way to ensure your talk or presentation segments have maximum results. Here it is: Question ➡️ Story ➡️ Result ➡️ Challenge 1️⃣ Question: Ask one or more questions that put your audience in the right mental frame, one that causes them to reflect on their own behavior, actions, or beliefs. (Reflection is the big key here) 2️⃣ Story: Tell a real story (from your life or someone else's) that is powerfully related to the theme of your segment. (But don't forget to raise the stakes of the story, giving it a constant crescendo as you tell it, as this is the part of storytelling most inexperienced speakers fail to do well.) 3️⃣ Result: This is the big "payoff" or "landing" of the story. It should be punchy, powerful, and stand alone. When you share it, allow your audience a moment to let it truly sink in. 4️⃣ Challenge: Now that you've made your audience reflect and then taken them on a journey that ended in an impactful way, it's time for a challenge. Here's where you push them to change their behavior. This framework has not only enabled me to have an extraordinary 15-year career as a speaker, but it has also been the catalyst for many of my audience members taking action and changing their lives, which, to me, is the true mark of a great speaker. Question, Story, Result, Challenge. It works my friends. It changes lives. Now it's yours. 🙂

Hollywood knows how to captivate, inspire, and move audiences. What if you could do the same as a PM? The impact? You become memorable, influential, and even get promoted. Here are the 4 steps of Hollywood storytelling that will transform you into an influential PM: — 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘆𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱 Think about iconic films like The Godfather, Titanic, or Inception. What makes them unforgettable isn’t just visuals. It's the compelling stories and narratives that resonate for years. Here’s the process behind these blockbusters: Script Outline → The foundation. Directors define key characters, pivotal moments, and emotional arcs. Script → The details. Once the outline is done, directors craft a detailed script that keeps the audience hooked. Movie →The execution. A great script needs visuals to bring it to life. Theater → The environment. Creating an immersive experience. Here’s how PMs can use it: – 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟭 - 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗽 Every blockbuster starts with a plan, and your story should too. → 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Who are you speaking to, and what motivates them? → 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: How do you want them to think, feel, or act differently by the end? → 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: Why would they resist your idea, and how can you address it? — 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟮 - 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 Now it’s time to bring your story to life. → 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗽 Spark curiosity with a mystery or unresolved question. Example: "What’s the one feature users have begged for, but we can finally build today?" → 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 Highlight contrasts (current state vs. future possibilities). Example: “Today, we release four times a year. Imagine the value we could deliver if we doubled that.” → 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Ask questions or share personal stories to build empathy. — 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟯 - 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗸 Your deck is a supporting actor, not the star. → 𝗖𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿: If a slide feels crowded, remove distractions or break it into multiple slides. → 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲: Your visuals should support your story, not replace it. → 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆: Use clean layouts, consistent fonts, and visuals that reinforce your key points. — 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟰 - 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Even the best script falls flat if the actors don’t believe in it. → 𝗢𝘄𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: Practice until you feel connected to the message. → 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺: Watch for signs of confusion, boredom, or disengagement. Adjust on the fly, even if it means pausing or pivoting. → 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝗽: Document decisions, answer open questions, and keep the momentum alive. — More about it here: https://lnkd.in/eZVBVY4A

Next-Gen Creativity Nugget: The Rise of the Fandom Storytelling as a Collaborative Experience For Gen Z and Gen Alpha, fandom culture is more than just a passing interest – it's a way of life. This week, we'll explore how brands can tap into the power of fandom by creating stories that invite co-creation, collaboration, and active participation from their audience. From gamifying your narratives to crowdsourcing story elements, we'll discuss strategies for turning your audience into invested stakeholders in your brand's journey. Gamifying Narratives: • Create immersive, multi-chapter stories with branching narratives • Embed mini-games, puzzles, or challenges within your story universe • Incentivize participation through rewards, exclusive content, or leveling systems • Develop accompanying apps or chatbots as interactive story companions • Foster friendly competition through leaderboards and social sharing Crowdsourced Storytelling: • Invite fans to contribute story ideas, characters, or plot twists • Host fan fiction/art contests to expand your brand's story universe • Leverage polls and feedback loops to shape ongoing narratives • Collaborate with fan communities on limited-edition co-created products • Feature fan contributions across your brand channels #fandomculture #cocreation #collaboration #storyparticipation #gamifiednarratives #FandomCulture #CollaborativeNarratives #StoryParticipation #GamifiedPlots #Immersiveworlds #UserStakeholders #CrowdsourcedCreativity #FanFictionFrenzy #BrandCoCreators #AudienceEmpowerment #BelongingNarratives #LoyaltyLoop