Welcome back to The Clear-Eyed View! Each week I deep dive into a topic to help mid-career professionals achieve their career aspirations.

This week, I explore how storytelling can help you communicate like an executive and give you steps to get started by creating a “story vault”.

I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to respond and let me know if you plan to implement this advice. Also, don’t forget to rate the post at the end. Your feedback is always welcome!

(6 Minute Read)

How to Become an Effective Storyteller by Creating a "Story Vault"

“I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.”

My 3-year-old daughter loves The Little Engine That Could.

For those unfamiliar with the story, it’s about a small train engine that lacks power but has faith. After larger, more capable engines pass by a heavy load stuck at the bottom of a hill, the small engine offers to help. By believing in itself and repeating the mantra, "I think I can," the engine overcomes self-doubt and succeeds through perseverance and determination.

First published in 1930, this timeless tale inspires, teaches, and resonates across generations. Why?

It has all the elements of a compelling story: clear characters, a relatable conflict, an emotional arc, and a message that lingers long after the final page. Stories like The Little Engine That Could not only entertain, but also influence decisions, build trust, and inspire action.

Storytelling isn't just for bedtime. In your career, the ability to tell resonant stories can make or break your ability to inspire, communicate, and lead effectively.

Why storytelling is memorable

Stories ignite our brains. Listening to or reading a story releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin. A good story creates an emotional bond, helping us understand complex ideas and relate to each other more deeply.

Think about a compelling presentation that has inspired you. What made it so memorable?

Most likely, the narrative and storytelling brought the message to life.

Why should you care?

As you progress in your career, technical skills become less central, and your ability to inspire, communicate, and build trust takes center stage. This transition is not one people are often prepared for, but it is critical to avoid hitting a career wall.

Whether you’re:

• Encouraging others to approach a problem differently

• Explaining your work to a key stakeholder

• Interviewing for a new role

• Communicating difficult news to a group of people

Storytelling will help you be more effective.

But if you’re like me, you might be wondering: what if you don’t have any relevant stories to tell?

Prepare by building a story vault

A story vault is your collection of meaningful, well-structured stories ready for use in a professional context. Developing a “vault” will make you feel more confident and prepared when communicating an important message.

Simply taking the time to brainstorm and document stories may be the difference between thinking you have nothing to share and becoming the compelling storyteller you need to be to advance your career.

And you can do it in less than an hour. Here’s how and a spreadsheet to get you started.

Step 1: Brainstorm story types

In The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories, Christopher Booker shares a commonly adopted theory that all stories fall within one of seven plot lines:

1. Overcoming the Monster: Stories where you face and conquer a significant challenge or obstacle

2. Rags to Riches: Stories of rising from humble beginnings to success.

3. The Quest: Stories about pursuing a goal or vision against all odds.

4. Voyage and Return: Stories of stepping into the unknown, experiencing transformation, and returning with new insights.

5. Comedy: Stories with a lighthearted or humorous tone, often involving misunderstandings or mistakes with a happy resolution.

6. Tragedy: Stories of significant loss, failure, or hardship with lessons learned.

7. Rebirth: Stories of transformation and renewal, where you overcame a dark period and emerged stronger.

These storylines translate to any context and are an ideal starting point for brainstorming.

Action:

In your spreadsheet, write down 1-3 personal stories that fall into each category. Simply jot down a few words that allow you to remember what the story is about.

Example:

One of my stories under the “rebirth” category is: “Relocating to Hartford, CT”.

Step 2: Structure your story using the Three Act Structure

Several popular storytelling frameworks exist (STAR, Pixar Story Framework, The StoryBrand Framework, etc.). A simple but effective framework that is inspired by plays, films, and literature: The Three Act Structure. This framework mirrors how people typically process stories and ensures an emotional arc that is impactful and memorable.

Act 1 - The Setup: Introduce the characters, the setting, and the primary conflict in a compelling way.

Act 2 - The Confrontation: Explain the obstacles or challenges the characters may face.

Act 3 - The Resolution: Resolve the conflict and bring the story to a satisfying conclusion.

Action:

Using your spreadsheet, write down a few sentences outlining the setup, the confrontation, and the resolution so you have a clear outline of the narrative prepared.

Example:

Let’s continue with my example of “Relocating to Hartford”.

Act 1: After graduating from my MBA program, I was ready to make a career switch. Determined to pursue a role in corporate America at any cost, I made a bold move. I left my friends, family, and serious girlfriend behind to relocate to Hartford, Connecticut, and work for a Fortune 500 insurance company.

Act 2: Once there, reality hit me hard. I quickly realized I had made a mistake. I missed my old life in Boston, despised the bureaucracy of a large insurance company, and constantly felt alone. This was all amplified by a family challenge I was navigating simultaneously. The dream I had chased turned into a nightmare. I felt stuck.

Act 3: After a few sleepless nights, countless reflections, and even a few tears, I decided to return to Boston. I tapped into my network and was fortunate to find a new opportunity that would allow me to continue my career in HR, albeit at a smaller company. I’m incredibly grateful I chose not to give up on the HR, as my next role spearheaded the career journey I’m on today. As icing on the cake, I also grew closer to my girlfriend, got engaged, and we are now a happy family of four 😀.

Great story, but why does it matter?

Storytelling is about tapping into a shared human experience. Although it may not feel like it, someone else will relate to your experiences. Consider the brief story I outlined above. It relates to family challenges, homesickness, bad career choices, love, and career success—themes that anyone can relate to.

Real-life stories are a driver of connection. I could use my story above when discussing:

• Why taking a risk can pay off in the long run

• Realizing it’s ok to pivot if something isn’t working out

• Inspiring a member of your team going through a difficult time

• The importance of maintaining relationships for professional success

• Any many more…

Final Takeaway: Develop a story vault and see where it takes you

Compelling storytelling has many components -goal, delivery, engagement, etc. These components aren’t going to be perfected in a short time. But you can’t practice the art of storytelling without a story to tell.

Taking the time to build a vault is a great way to get started. It gives you the confidence to tell relevant stories that inspire others to take action. It can be the difference between being viewed as a technical expert and an influential leader.

Simply going through this exercise has already given me more confidence to tell relevant and memorable stories. Take 10 minutes and start jotting some ideas down. You’ll be surprised where it takes you.

I’d love to hear from you! Let me know how you will implement this advice moving forward

Until Next Time,

Winston