The Question That Made Me Start Over
The silence after her question felt like a spotlight on everything I hadn’t figured out yet, but thought I had.
“What’s your story? Tell me about you.”
I carried that question home with me, unpacking it as I stared at my laptop. The pitch that had once seemed so strong was looking weak AF right about now.
Besides it being completely about someone else; I had stuffed it full of erroneous details - making it lack the one thing that mattered most in storytelling - clarity.
I deleted every slide. Every single one.
What came next wasn’t pretty. I spent hours wrestling with ideas, scattering half-finished drafts across far too many files on my desktop. Everything felt incomplete, like I was digging for something I couldn’t quite find.
Then, in the quiet of the early morning hours, irritated and exhausted, I caught a second wind that helped me rebuild the pitch from the ground up.
But this time, I didn’t include anything that didn’t serve the core message I wanted to convey. No borrowed brilliance. No BS. Just MY story - and the clear message behind it.
When I delivered the pitch again, the difference was immediate. Instead of just nodding politely, prospects leaned in.
This time, my story wasn’t just a collection of details - it had a core message that aligned with my prospect’s goals.
Did you know 70% of people say they’re more likely to remember a story that has a clear, central message?
Clarity in storytelling isn’t just helpful - it’s essential.
Every story has details, but not every detail matters. The best stories feel effortless because they are intentional.
They don’t meander, they don’t over-explain, and they don’t lean on unnecessary tangents. Every part of the story - every person, every detail - serves one clear purpose.
The problem is, most of us don’t start with a centered message.
We start with an experience, a memory, or a moment that feels meaningful to us, but we don’t take the time to uncover how meaningful it is to others.
That’s where stories lose their power.
When you find the core message of your story, everything else becomes easier.
You know what to highlight, what to cut, and what to amplify.
Here’s how to uncover the core message in your story using my C.U.T. Framework:
C - Clarify the Message
Before you write anything, ask yourself: What is this story really about? What’s the single idea I want people to walk away with?
U - Unpack the Details
Write down every element of your story - people, moments, emotions, and facts. Then ask: Does this detail directly support my message? If not, cut it.
T - Tie It Together
Once you’ve stripped away the unnecessary, focus on the parts of the story that drive your message home. Connect them clearly and intentionally, so every piece serves the same purpose.
Why This Works
Stories with a clear, centered message work because they eliminate distractions and create a stronger connection with the audience.
When every detail aligns with the core message, the story feels intentional.
And once you truly understand the core message, you can deliver the story with authenticity and conviction, making it even more powerful.
Here’s What You’ll Get Out Of It:
• A Clear Message: Learn to identify the true purpose of your story, ensuring it resonates and leaves a lasting impression.
• A Focused Approach: Eliminate unnecessary details to craft sharper, more impactful narratives.
• Practical Techniques: Equip yourself with tools to refine and consistently deliver engaging stories.
“Great storytelling isn’t about saying everything - it’s about including only the parts that matter.”
Your Turn
Think about a story you’ve been wanting to tell - whether it’s in a post, a pitch, or a conversation.
1. What’s the single idea or message you want to convey?
2. Write down every detail you planned to include. Which ones don’t directly support your core message?
3. Refine your story using the C.U.T. framework, breaking it down to only the moments and details that align with your core message.
When your story has clarity, your audience won’t just consume it - they’ll feel it.