A few years ago, I had to deliver a high-stakes presentation to about 120 leaders from a major consulting firm. It was a big moment for me — if it went well, it would open the door to a long series of training programs.
So I prepared like crazy. I gathered data, charts, facts, numbers — everything I thought a room full of logical leaders would appreciate.
And here’s the funny thing: over the years, I’ve spoken to many of those leaders again…
None of them remembers a single fact from that presentation.
But they all remember the tiny little story I shared in the middle.
In this video, I want to share and discuss the power of storytelling.Â
Whether you’re leading a team, pitching to a client, or simply trying to influence someone at home, communication is at the heart of what we do. And if you want people to remember your message, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can use.
Now, I’ll admit something. I’m an engineer by trade. I love facts. I love logic. For years, my trainings and presentations were packed with them. Even today, I have to stop myself from overloading people with data because it feels so natural to me.
And then I met Gabrielle Dolan.
Gabrielle is one of the world’s most brilliant corporate storytelling trainers. She teaches leaders across the globe how to communicate through stories, and I was lucky enough to attend one of her workshops. It opened an entirely new world for me.
She explained something that completely shifted my perspective:
Facts and stories are processed in different parts of the brain.
- Facts live in the logical part of the mind. They take longer to absorb and are forgotten quickly.
- Stories are processed through emotion. The brain takes them in instantly — and remembers them for much longer.
That’s why a two-minute story will stay with a roomful of people far more effectively than a slide full of statistics.
One of the biggest lessons Gabrielle taught us was this: Your story doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be real.
People can sense authenticity. They know when a story is true, and they connect with it emotionally. You don’t need a dramatic tale — even a simple, honest moment from your life can carry more power than any number on a slide.
Gabrielle has just released a new book, Story Intelligence: The Craft of Authentic Storytelling Made Smarter with AI. If you’re someone who wants to sharpen how you communicate, it’s an incredibly valuable resource. After more than 20 years teaching storytelling, she knows her craft.
Since meeting her, I’ve tried to weave more stories into my presentations — even though the engineer in me is still tempted to drown everything in facts!
Now, my question for you is this: Would it help you to shift your communication style a little — even just a tiny bit — and bring more storytelling into the conversations that matter to you?
Hope you have a beautiful and lovely day.
À bientôt,
Cyril
