Category: Basics of Storytelling

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Deconstructing a Wall Street Journal Story on Innovation

Most companies want to be known as innovative. To bastardize the Wallace Simpson line, “you can never be too rich, too thin or too innovative.” The problem is those same companies often depend on adjectives to tout their breakthroughs. The Wall Street Journal challenged the use of the “i” word over ten years ago: “Businesses …more

Dear College Grad: Don’t Follow the Resume 101 Handbook

Soon, the class of 2023 at universities across the country will be tossing their caps in the air. The days of cramming all night for a final have come to an end. Once the effect of too many White Claw mango beverages subsides, attention will turn to landing that illusive first job. This is a …more

Q&A on Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Storytelling

I respect people who can keep the scent of the trail. Fellow storytelling evangelist Brad Marley approached me back in April 2019 to answer a handful of questions on my second-favorite topic. The plot took some twists and turns (naturally), but I answered Brad’s questions a couple of months ago. For those who don’t subscribe …more

Dear College Grad: Don’t Follow the Resume 101 Handbook

In a few weeks, the Spring class of 2022 at universities across the country will be tossing their (virtual) caps in the air. The days of cramming all night for a final have come to an end. Once the effect of too many White Claw mango beverages subsides, attention will turn to landing that illusive …more

Airing Dirty Laundry Reveals Storytelling Wisdom

Is there a task more mundane than doing laundry? It is the ultimate in dullsville. Yet, a podcast by Malcolm Gladwell called “Laundry Done Right” shows that indeed . I first wrote about Gladwell in 2009 when he told a David vs. Goliath type story that used a 12-year-old girls basketball team as the frame. …more

Dear College Grad: Don’t Follow the Resume 101 Handbook

Even though COVID-19 has swung a wrecking ball through higher education (like much of society), universities have continued marching on. In a few weeks, the Spring class of 2021 will be tossing their virtual caps in the air. The days of cramming all night for a final have come to an end. Once the effect …more

Oatly Takes Conversational Language to the Next Level

You would think every company would prefer to communicate in a way that connects with people. After all, before segmenting the target audience, we know the objective is to reach people. Yet, business writing often comes off as mechanical and even stiff. Do you want the narrative to sound like it comes from an actual …more

Dear College Grad: Create a Resume That Breaks the Rules

A zillion college graduates are about to descend on civilization with shiny apples in hand. The demand versus supply equation doesn’t work in the graduate’s favor. And it’s even tougher this year. COVID-19 has swung a wrecking ball through the economy. Every day brings headlines about more layoffs in Corporate America. I haven’t seen the …more

75-Second Video Delivers Lessons in Storytelling (with a French Twist)

I came across this video “Never Estimate the Power of a Great Story” back in 2009. Even knowing the ending, the humor still slaps you across the face. After a recent watch, I realized the video delivers a few pain-free lessons in business storytelling. . Sure, the protagonist manages to escape death several times — machine …more