Have you ever wondered how some people sail ahead, and others struggle hard for little success? How magically their doors open and pathways clear, whilst others butt up against the same walls time and again? 

Much of this ‘door-opening skill’ rests on the ability to tell good stories. Storytelling can help us build friendships, inspire others, build trust, strengthen emotional connections and the best of them can also entertain.  

The really great news is that storytelling is an art everyone can master. 

Fresh off our fabulous webinar on the topic (link) I’m inspired to share with you some key tips that might help you to know what to avoid in your own storytelling. 

Five things to AVOID in storytelling: 

A: All about me – The best stories focus on your audience– the customer, employee, or community impact. Noone wants to hear about you and your story unless it is inspiring and meaningful to them and their needs. 

V: Vague and Generic – Stories without specifics feel hollow so avoid generalizations like “We help businesses grow.” Instead, tell a concrete story about how you helped a specific business and what changed. 

O: Overload with Data – Facts and figures are important, but too many can overwhelm and bore your audience. Instead of dumping numbers, weave key stats into the story naturally to support your message 

 I: Information without emotion – Logic alone doesn’t inspire action. If your story lacks an emotional connection—whether it’s struggle, success, or passion—it won’t stick with people. 

D: Dragging It Out – Attention spans are short. Avoid unnecessary details or long-winded backstories. Get to the point quickly and keep it engaging. 

Remember that storytelling goes beyond your voice, it’s the way you can stand out, be heard and stay memorable – in all your customer touch points.  

This week is a great time to review your marketing message and reframe your story to build trust, connect emotionally with your audience and open doors to new connections.