Why Storytelling Matters in Business Communication
Let’s be honest, too many conversations, pitches, and presentations start the same way:
“How’s it going?”
“Busy week?”
“What about this weather?”
Sound familiar?
Here’s the problem: when you open a conversation like everyone else, you trigger autopilot responses. The person you’re speaking to isn’t really present – they’re just going through the motions.
If you want to connect, influence, and be remembered, you have to start differently. And one of the best ways to do that is through making your interactions more personal and relatable – through storytelling in business.
Why the Beginning Matters
In any interaction – whether it’s a sales meeting, networking event, or keynote presentation – your goal in the first 30 seconds is simple: get the other person to really pay attention.
As someone who coaches teams on business communication skills, I always remind the people I work with: the human brain loves stories, surprises, and emotions – not small talk.
Therefore, when you open with something interesting, a personal story, or an engaging question, you pull the rug from under them. It jolts them awake. Suddenly, they’re curious, alert, and ready to listen.
That’s how connection starts.
Ditch the Small Talk
Next time you meet someone new, resist the urge to ask the same predictable questions.
❌ “How’s your day been?”
❌ “Busy at work?”
❌ “Did you find the place okay?”
Instead, try something that engages them:
✅ “What’s been the highlight of your week so far?”
✅ “Last time we spoke, you were about to start that big project – how did it go?”
✅ “I saw your LinkedIn post about [topic] – what inspired you to write that?”
✅ “What’s something you’ve learned recently that really surprised you?”
These types of openers don’t just start conversations – they spark stories. As a result, once you’re communicating through stories, you’ve got real engagement.
Using Storytelling to Make Business Conversations Memorable
Here’s the truth: storytelling for business isn’t about adding fluff to a presentation. It’s about using relatable moments, curiosity, and emotion to make your message stick.
When you tell a short, relevant story — even something as simple as, “This morning I spilled coffee before walking into a big pitch” – you make yourself human.
And when people see your humanity, they trust you.
In a world full of noise, the best communicators are those who make people feel something.
That’s why storytelling is one of the most valuable business communication skills you can master.
The Takeaway: Make Them Feel Something
If you want to engage your audience – whether one-on-one or in front of 1,000 people – stop defaulting to boring.
Start with curiosity.
Start with stories.
Start with something that grabs their attention and makes them sit up and listen.
Because the first step to being remembered… is to say something that isn’t forgettable.
👉 Want to develop storytelling techniques that make your message stick? Visit my Keynote Speaker page to see how I help teams and leaders improve their communication and connection.