What most storytelling advice gets wrong

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Welcome back, friend!

“Make your audience the hero.”

That’s what the internet says.

And sure, it sounds good.

But let’s be honest,

Most people using that advice end up writing stories with no actual story.

Just generic “value posts” dressed up as wisdom.

Here’s the truth:

Your audience doesn’t need another hero story.

They need a reason to believe yours.

The fastest way to do that?

Tell the truth.

The messy version. The behind-the-scenes version. The “I wasn’t sure this would work” version.

Here’s what that looks like:

Instead of:
“I used storytelling to grow my audience by 200%.”

Try:
“I deleted the post twice before I hit publish. I didn’t think anyone would care. It got 147 comments in 24 hours.”

That’s a story.

It has doubt. Decision. Outcome.

It makes your audience feel something.

And once they feel it, they trust you.

Not because you’re perfect.

But because you’re real.

That’s how story drives sales.

Not by placing your audience on a pedestal.

But by letting them walk beside you.

See ya tomorrow

Cheers,

Stephen

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