May 2, 2025
Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have to connect, inspire, and influence. But here’s the catch: even with all the right intentions, many of us still tell stories that fall flat. Why? Because we unknowingly make simple mistakes that break the connection with our audience.
If you’ve ever studied storytelling tips, read all the books, and still found your stories weren’t landing—this article is for you. Here are five common storytelling mistakes and how to avoid them.
Many storytellers take too long to get to the point. They begin with drawn-out context and unnecessary background details. Imagine someone starting a story with: “It was a sunny summer afternoon, I was walking through the street feeling optimistic, wearing a suit…” and continuing like that for minutes.
Instead, start as close to the challenge as possible. Keep your setup to two or three quick sentences:
“October 2021, I was in my apartment in Amsterdam staring at my laptop. I’d just received a message from my manager.”
Boom—you’re in the scene. Start with forward momentum.
Stripping too many details can make a story fall flat. You need to give the audience a reason to care. What’s at stake for the character?
Let them know what the character stands to gain or lose. For example:
“I had to give this presentation. If I nailed it, I might get promoted. But if I screwed up, I’d be stuck in the same dull project forever.”
The stakes don’t need to be massive—they just need to be relatable: respect, recognition, embarrassment. Make your audience care.
Great stories aren’t summaries. They zoom in.
A high-level storytelling is like “I had a difficult problem, and I solved it.” That’s boring. Instead, zoom into the moment:
“I walked into the room and saw my manager pacing, his face completely red.”
To do this, just relive the scene. Ask yourself: Where am I? What do I see, hear, feel, or think? Then describe it vividly. Take your audience there.
Ever notice how slipping into a dramatic storytelling tone can make you sound more like a motivational speaker than yourself? It creates distance. The better approach? Keep it casual—like you’re chatting with a friend over coffee. Skip the polished language and just be real. That’s what draws people in.
Nothing kills a great story faster than ending it with, “The moral of the story is…”
Your audience doesn’t want a sermon—they want meaning they can discover themselves. Let your story speak for itself. If you must make the takeaway clear (especially in business storytelling), use phrases like:
“What I learned from that experience was…”
It’s natural, subtle, and leaves space for reflection.
If you simply avoid these five mistakes, your stories will already be more engaging than 99% of others out there.
Ready to level up your storytelling? Dive into this next article for advanced techniques that will captivate your audience from the very first word.
Happy storytelling!
P.S. Want to become a stronger communicator?
Here are two ways I can support you:
👉 Want to tell more engaging stories? Join our next Storytelling Workshop.
👉 Want to speak with confidence and clarity? Check out our Communication Skills Training.
Both are fun, practical, and designed to help you grow fast.
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