There’s nothing worse than listening to a story that you’ve lost interest in. Or watching a movie that bores you to tears. Or reading a murder mystery novel you’ve already solved in the first chapter.

In situations like these, you disconnect, disengage, or put down the book.

As a leader, you’ve heard that storytelling is a powerful tool. It is! But before you tell a story, proceed with caution.

Storytelling helps us create emotional connections during change, serves as teachable moments, brings personality to data, creates compelling narratives that drive action, and allows us to show our humanity as leaders.

But with great power comes responsibility. Not everything is a story.

Before you tell a story to your organization, here are some things to consider:

1. Don’t make yourself the hero. No one wants to hear about your perfect moments. They want to see you as the learner, the mistake-maker, and the person who should’ve listened to the wiser adult.

2. Focus on human impact, not data and metrics. Numbers, charts and KPIs are impersonal – tell me about a person, a customer, a client – someone who was impacted by the data.

3. Keep stories focused and concise. Don’t be that person. Rehearse, sharpen your draft. People can’t hit the power button on you. So delight them … don’t make them have to endure you.

4. Ditch the jargon and corporate speak. Acronyms, buzzwords and jargon create barriers. Be real.

5. Always have a clear purpose or call to action. Sure, you’re entertaining – but don’t make people wonder why you just told them what you shared.

6. Match your story to your audience. You’ll miss the mark if you share high-level strategy to front-line employees or technical details to non-technical stakeholders.

7. Build tension and emotion – don’t rush. A great storyteller offers pauses, and you can feel emotion in their words.  Use your skills!!  Show your range.

8. Make it relatable to your specific audience. The best stories are ones where the storyteller creates connection.

9. Keep it authentic and vulnerable. Please … don’t memorize. Tell it from the heart.

10. Practice your delivery. Repeat after me: “I’ll never wing it.”

When you tell a well considered, crafted story, people will remember the emotions they feel.  Added bonus?  As you continue to rise in your career, you’ll be known for this – a speaker who can craft a story that drives action.

Best of luck on your storytelling journey.