Written by We’ve all been there. Someone says, “Let me tell you a story,” you settle in, expecting something engaging. Then what you get is… well, a list of things that happened. While hearing about someone’s day is excellent, let me clarify: a list of things that happened is not a story.
As a trainer and practitioner of storytelling, this is one of the first things I address in my sessions. Understanding the difference between storytelling and simply recounting events can make all the difference in how people connect with your message.
So, What Is a Story?
A story is more than just a sequence of events. It’s a moment of connection that moves you and changes how you think or see the world. A story has a message—a takeaway that sticks with you after you’ve heard it.
An ex-boyfriend of mine had a colleague who would always hold him up in the kitchen by saying, “I’ve got a great story for you,” and proceed to say something like this:
“I had a good day at work. I got that report done. You know, the one that has been going on forever. I went to the gym and saw my new trainer. I am feeling super fit now. Then, I had some tacos at a great restaurant, and later, I found out that my wife got a promotion. It was a great day!”
And this went on and on. He started to dread going into the kitchen because this man would seemingly always be lying in wait to ‘tell him a story’. Until one day, my ex snapped and said, “Dude, that isn’t a story; it’s just a list of a bunch of stuff that happened to you that day.”
Why was the colleague of my ex-boyfriend not telling a story? No deeper meaning or connection was being made, so the story wasn’t a story; it was just a list of things that happened.
What Makes a Story, a Story?
A story needs a main message—a purpose. It elevates a simple series of events into something meaningful.
Let’s take the same example of the colleague talking about their day. If, instead, they said:
“I’ve been encouraging my wife to go for a promotion she didn’t feel ready for. I kept telling her, ‘You’ll never know unless you try.’ And guess what? She went for it and got it! It shows that sometimes, you must put yourself out there, even when unsure.”
Now, this becomes a story. Why? Because it’s not just about tacos and promotions anymore. It’s about trying, about putting yourself out there. There’s a clear takeaway: You’ll never know if you don’t try. The events in the story serve a purpose, leading to that meaningful message.
Stories vs. Lists of Things That Happened
All stories still include events commonly referred to as plot points. These are critical to the structure of a story, but they are just a list of things that happened without the message or meaning behind them.
We see this a lot on social media. People might post something like, “I went to a conference, met some great people, had a nice lunch, and signed a new client.” These are great things, but they’re just a list of things that happened without a message.
Now, if they turned that same post into something like:
“When I started my business, no one understood what I offered. It was hard to get clients, and I nearly gave up. But today, I signed a new client at a conference, and it’s amazing to think how far things have come. If I’d given up back then, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Now we’ve got a story. The message is clear: Perseverance pays off. It turns the list of events into something people can relate to and feel.
How Can You Tell if It’s a Story?
A simple way to check if you’re telling a story or a list of things that happened is to ask yourself, “What’s the message I’m trying to convey?” If you can’t find a message or your listener can’t tell what you’re trying to say, it’s probably just a list of things that happened.
That doesn’t mean everything needs a profound, life-changing moral, but it should have some purpose or meaning. Stories are powerful because they connect with people on an emotional level, not just an informational one.
The Power of Stories
Storytelling is an incredible tool, whether writing a presentation, pitching an idea, or even posting on social media. When you add meaning, people don’t just hear your words—they connect with a larger goal or purpose. One that they may be able to apply to their own life. They’re more likely to remember and maybe even act on what you said.
So, the next time you share something, think about the message you want to leave with your audience. Is there a takeaway? Is there a deeper meaning behind the events? If so, you’re on the right track to telling a story. And if not, go back to the drawing board because it is just a list of things that happened.
Storytelling Built For Innovation 