How Storytelling Gave Me a Voice

Inspired by The Hero’s Journey, Pyramid Principles, and my many awkward attempts.

Growing up, I was quiet and shy, the girl who preferred scribbling thoughts in notebooks over raising my hand in class. Words felt heavy, and the idea of captivating an audience seemed daunting, almost impossible. To me, storytelling appeared to be a skill reserved only for those naturally charismatic individuals who effortlessly held everyone's attention. My own journey toward becoming comfortable with storytelling wasn't sudden or dramatic; instead, it unfolded gradually through small discoveries, countless trials, and invaluable frameworks. Today, I'm sharing my story, not as an expert, but as someone who overcame hesitation, learned from mistakes, and ultimately fell deeply in love with the power of storytelling.

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Why Stories Matter

Stories are much more than entertainment for late-night Netflix binges or cozy campfire tales. They’re essential tools for meaningful communication. Early in my career, my presentations often overwhelmed audiences with dense data, quickly losing their patience and attention. It wasn't until a colleague shared a simple yet powerful piece of advice that my perspective shifted: “Data tells, but stories sell.” This insight transformed the way I approached all forms of communication, whether pitching ideas, leading teams, or navigating challenging conversations. Through storytelling, I learned to build connections, turn abstract concepts into relatable experiences, and inspire meaningful action.

Two key realizations stood out to me during this transformation:

• Connection over perfection: Focusing on genuine emotions and authenticity rather than flawless delivery.

• Clear narrative structure: Using frameworks such as the Hero’s Journey, STAR, SCQA, STORY, and the Five Elements Model to present clear, engaging narratives.