Telling a Compelling Story—Why Your Ideas Deserve a Narrative
We’ve all been there: great idea, solid solution… but somehow, the message doesn’t land. At our latest Soft Skills Forum, Jana Adamovikj shared how storytelling isn’t just for writers or marketers—it’s a tool we all can (and should) use to make our communication more effective, engaging, and impactful.
Key Takeaways from the Session
1. Use the Story Arc: Context → Challenge → Solution → Outcome
Good stories have structure. Whether you’re prepping a presentation, writing an email, or speaking up in a meeting, try this simple formula:
- Context – What’s the background?
- Challenge – What was the issue?
- Solution – What did you do?
- Outcome – What happened as a result?
It helps your audience follow your logic—and shows them why it matters.
2. Templates Aren’t Cheating (They’re Smart)
Anders asked if it’s okay to use storytelling templates. Jana’s answer? Absolutely. In fact, templates rooted in your company’s branding help with consistency and clarity.
At Nion, for example, our fonts, colors, and layout are all part of our identity. Using them doesn’t limit you—it elevates your message.
3. Just Enough Information (Not Everything You Know)
Storytelling is about focus. Jana emphasized finding a balance:
- Don’t overwhelm with data.
- Don’t underwhelm with vagueness.
Give your audience the right context before you introduce the solution.
4. When You Have a Lot to Say, Split It Up
Olof raised a relatable question: what if you’ve got a lot to communicate—especially over email? Jana’s advice: group related information and split it across sections or separate messages if needed.
Big walls of text = easy to ignore. Bite-sized clarity = easier to understand.
5. Make It Human, Even in Tech Talk
Simon highlighted how valuable it is to use storytelling even in technical conversations. Starting with the “why” behind a decision helps people feel connected, not just informed.
Bonus Tip: The 1-Pager Structure
Need to distill your message even further? Jana introduced a simple 1-pager framework for clearly presenting ideas, proposals, or findings. Here’s the structure:
1. Title
Clear, specific, and outcome-oriented.
2. Background
A brief summary of the context.
3. Objective
What are we aiming to achieve?
4. Key Points
Main findings, ideas, or proposals (bullet format).
5. Visual Elements
Simple charts, diagrams, or timelines to support understanding.
6. Call to Action
What the reader should do or decide next.
This format is perfect for proposals, summaries, or pitching a solution—especially when time (or attention span) is short.
A Challenge from Jana
Before wrapping up, Jana encouraged everyone to think differently next time they present an idea. Instead of jumping to the solution, give a bit of context first.
Set the scene. Walk them through your thinking. Then share the outcome.
It doesn’t take much more time—but it can make a big difference.
Q&A Highlights
“Is it okay to follow a template for storytelling?”
Yes—especially if it reflects your company’s tone and visual branding. It actually strengthens your message.
“Should I write one long email or split it into several?”
If it’s too long or covers different topics, break it up. Think of your audience: what would help them absorb the message faster?
Final Thoughts
A big thank-you to Jana Adamovikj for leading this session—and to everyone who jumped into the discussion. Whether you’re pitching an idea or writing a recap, storytelling helps your message land.
No need to be a novelist. Just guide your audience through the “why,” “how,” and “what happened next.” Your ideas deserve that much.