Rutul Davé Follow

Great Storytelling Isn't About Being Clever

Introduction

We’ve all been there—sitting in a presentation, reading a blog post, or listening to someone speak, waiting for the “aha” moment that never comes. The speaker is witty, the language is polished, but something’s missing.

Meanwhile, a simple story about someone’s grandmother, a failed business venture, or a quiet moment of realization stops us in our tracks.

What’s the difference?

The stories that move us aren’t the cleverest ones. They’re the most real ones.

The Myth of “Clever” Storytelling

Somewhere along the way, we got the idea that good storytelling requires:

Perfect metaphors
Witty punchlines
Elaborate plot twists
Impressive vocabulary

But here’s what actually happens when we prioritize cleverness:

We create distance. When we’re busy trying to sound smart, we forget to sound human. Our audience can sense when we’re performing rather than connecting.

We lose authenticity. The more we polish and perfect, the more we sand away the rough edges that make stories memorable. Those imperfections—the pauses, the raw emotions, the unplanned moments—are often what people remember most.

We forget the purpose. Stories aren’t meant to impress. They’re meant to connect, to illuminate, to help someone see themselves or the world differently.

As Philipp Humm puts it: “Great storytelling isn’t about being clever. It’s about making people feel something real. If you can do that, they’ll never forget your story.”

What Makes a Story Stick

Think about the last story that truly moved you.

Maybe it was:

A founder sharing their rock-bottom moment before their breakthrough
A colleague describing a small act of kindness that changed their perspective
A podcast guest opening up about their biggest failure

What made it memorable? Probably not the vocabulary or the structure. It was the emotional truth at its core.

Research backs this up. According to neuroscience studies, stories that evoke emotion create stronger neural coupling between the storyteller and listener. When we feel something, our brains literally sync up with the person telling the story.

That’s the power of authenticity.

The Real vs. Extraordinary Myth

Here’s another misconception: “I don’t have any good stories because nothing extraordinary has happened to me.”

But extraordinary isn’t what makes a story compelling. Relatable is what makes it compelling.

Consider these “ordinary” moments that became powerful stories:

Matthew Dicks won multiple Moth storytelling competitions with stories about everyday moments—finding a coat, teaching a student, a conversation with his wife
Brené Brown’s TED talk on vulnerability (one of the most-watched ever) centers on her personal struggle with feeling “enough”
StoryCoach users regularly turn simple moments—a conversation with a barista, a childhood memory, a moment of self-doubt—into narratives that resonate

The magic isn’t in the moment itself. It’s in what that moment reveals about being human.

How to Find Your Real Stories

So how do you move from “clever” to “real”? Here are three practices we use at StoryCoach:

1. Mine Your Memory Bank

Start noticing the small moments that make you feel something:

A conversation that stuck with you
A moment of unexpected kindness
A time you felt seen or misunderstood
A realization that shifted your perspective

These are your story sparks. David Allen says, “The mind is for having ideas, not holding them.” Write them down. Build your Memory Bank.

2. Ask “What Was at Stake?”

Real stories have tension. Not manufactured drama, but genuine stakes:

What did you fear?
What did you want?
What was uncertain?
What changed?

When you identify what was truly at stake for you, your story gains emotional weight.

The most authentic stories don’t skip from problem to solution. They linger in the uncertainty, the confusion, the moments when you didn’t know what would happen next.

That’s where your audience sees themselves.

Practical Application: From Moment to Story

Let’s take an ordinary moment and turn it into a real story:

The Moment: You forgot your wallet at a coffee shop, and a stranger paid for your coffee.

Clever Version (What NOT to Do): “In a world increasingly dominated by digital transactions and social isolation, a serendipitous encounter with a benevolent stranger reminded me of humanity’s innate capacity for altruism…”

Real Version: “I was already running late when I realized my wallet wasn’t in my bag. My face went hot. The line behind me was growing. The barista waited, patient but expectant. Then the woman behind me said, ‘I’ve got it.’ Just like that. No big deal. But I almost cried. Not because of the $4 coffee—because someone saw me struggling and decided I mattered.”

See the difference? The second version puts you in the moment. You feel the embarrassment, the relief, the unexpected emotion.

Building Your Storytelling Habit

Authentic storytelling isn’t a talent you’re born with. It’s a practice you develop.

At StoryCoach, we believe in:

Daily practice: Small, consistent exercises that train you to notice story-worthy moments
Structured frameworks: Proven methods from master storytellers like Matthew Dicks, Philipp Humm, and Kindra Hall
AI-powered feedback: Personal coaching that helps you refine your narratives without losing authenticity
Community support: Learning alongside others who are also finding their voice

You don’t need to be extraordinary. You just need to be willing to be real.

Your Stories Matter

Here’s the truth: You already have dozens of powerful stories inside you. They’re not hidden in some distant, dramatic past. They’re in:

Last week’s conversation
Yesterday’s small victory
This morning’s quiet realization

The question isn’t whether you have stories worth telling. It’s whether you’re willing to tell them honestly.

Because when you do—when you stop trying to be clever and start being real—that’s when people listen.

That’s when they remember.

That’s when your story lives in their heart forever.

Start Your Storytelling Practice

Ready to build your storytelling habit? StoryCoach offers daily prompts, AI feedback, and a structured approach to help you find, craft, and share your most authentic stories.

Whether you’re a founder preparing for investor pitches, a creative looking to connect with your audience, or a professional who wants to communicate with more impact—your real stories are your superpower.

Start Your Storytelling Journey →