What is Storytelling?

I’ve been rethinking how to describe what I do because the term "Storytelling Consultant" often leaves people puzzled—and I get it! So, let me explain.

At its core, storytelling is about effective communication. It shapes how your audience—whether clients, customers, or collaborators—perceives you or your business. It’s not just about sharing information but creating meaningful connections.

My job is to take complex ideas and distill them into clear, relatable, and impactful narratives. But clarity alone isn’t enough; it’s about fostering the right emotional and intellectual bonds with your audience.

Let me illustrate this with an analogy from the world of dating.

The perfect profile:

You may not have a dating app profile, but you likely understand how they work. You upload photos that present you in an appealing way to spark interest. Some people use heavily edited or fake images to maximize clicks. While their profile might succeed in attracting attention, the moment they meet their date, the deception becomes apparent. It only takes a second for their potential match to see the disconnect between the “advertisement” and reality—and things rarely end well.

On the other hand, a truthful profile with real photos—however imperfect—sets tell a more realistic story. Including multiple photos gives potential dates a well-rounded sense of who you are, showcasing your hobbies, favorite places, and personality. The bio complements this by revealing your unique traits. For example, if you’re funny, show your humor; if you’re philosophical, express that.

This authenticity may attract fewer people than a fake profile, but those it does attract are more likely to be a good match, increasing the chances of a meaningful connection. That’s storytelling.

How it translates to business

When I work with businesses or organizations, my goal is the same: to help them present themselves authentically, highlighting their uniqueness and core values. The aim is to attract not just any audience but the right audience—the one with the greatest potential for genuine, lasting relationships.

Storytelling isn’t about spinning tales or overselling. It’s about crafting honest, compelling narratives that resonate, connect, and build trust. And that’s what I’m here to help you achieve.

So, whether it’s crafting a mission statement that reflects the company’s core values and aspirations, curating compelling presentations, delivering inspirational keynote speeches, planning the flow of an event or perfecting the design and language of a business’s website, it all boils down to one essential thing: communication.

Let's look at some examples:

One client initially approached me for help crafting an impactful keynote speech. To deliver something truly meaningful, we began meeting regularly. I needed to understand his perspective, immerse myself in the essence of his business, and uncover what he wanted to communicate to his audience. As we worked together, it became clear that his ultimate goal was to attract more high-end customers. This realization shifted our focus: beyond the speech, we decided to upgrade the overall look and feel of his brand. This included redesigning his website, enhancing his company’s booth for an upcoming conference, and refining the language his sales team would use at the event.

Another client came to me struggling with job interviews. He felt he wasn’t presenting himself effectively, so we worked together to elevate his performance and convey his strengths with confidence.

I’ve also collaborated with several startups on their elevator pitches—those critical, one-minute presentations designed to explain what they do and spark curiosity.

In another case, a highly successful venture capitalist grew tired of her predictable meeting style. She wanted a fresh, more dynamic approach. Together, we delved into her personal story and developed a presentation style that felt authentic and engaging, giving her the spark she needed.

Why I love it!

While I offer storytelling training workshops that teach the essentials for crafting successful pitches or presentations, storytelling itself is deeply personal—there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. Every business, like every individual, has unique needs shaped by its core values, target audience, and aspirations.

And to be honest, that’s exactly what I love about this work.

It’s why, after an extensive career in the performing arts, I’ve found my purpose here.

Storytelling is about more than just words—it’s about forging genuine connections, inspiring others, and communicating in a way that truly resonates. It’s about uncovering the heart of a story and letting it shine.

In the end, great storytelling is what transforms ideas into movements, businesses into brands, and audiences into loyal supporters.

And that’s a journey I’m honored to guide my clients through.