Storytelling for Public Speakers [Ultimate Guide]
Ed Darling
12 min read
What you’ll learn:
- The key elements of a compelling story.
- How to weave storytelling into speeches.
- How to make your story powerful and captivating.
- Tips for delivering your story with confidence.
- Examples of renowned public speakers using storytelling.
Storytelling is the heart of public speaking.
Telling stories is one of humanity’s oldest forms of communication. It helped us share knowledge, make sense of a complex world, and entertain between survival tasks like hunting woolly mammoths.
The earliest known recorded story, the Epic of Gilgamesh (around 2100 B.C.), shows storytelling’s ancient roots, but oral traditions (stories passed down by word-of-mouth) stretch back even further.
This might feel a world away from today’s TED Talks or corporate keynotes, but storytelling remains a potent tool for engaging audiences.
Whether you aim to inspire, simplify complex ideas, or leave a lasting impression, a well-told story is often the most effective approach.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the art of storytelling for public speakers and show you how to harness its power.
Let’s begin!
1. What is storytelling, and why does it matter for public speakers?
Storytelling is the art of conveying a message through narrative.
In simple terms, that means sharing a sequence of related events.
Stories have long been used to pass down knowledge, share ideas, and express values. Modern speakers don’t often gather around campfires, but storytelling still serves these core purposes:
- Sharing knowledge.
- Communicating ideas.
- Expressing values.
Humans are wired to tell and absorb stories. We’ve evolved to remember stories, which is why they’re incredibly “sticky”. In fact, research suggests stories are 22 times more memorable than facts alone.
From ancient myths to a compelling business pitch, a great story lingers in the audience’s mind.
But for a story to stick, it needs the right ingredients. Let’s explore those next.
Ready to speak with confidence?
2. The elements of a compelling story.
Great stories, whether in a keynote, a book, or your favourite film, all share key elements that make them engaging and memorable:
Characters: Relatable characters your audience can connect with emotionally.
Conflict: Tension or challenges that keep listeners hooked.
Resolution: A satisfying conclusion that provides closure.
Emotion: Evoking feelings to create a memorable experience.
Relevance: A clear tie-in to a core message or theme.
These elements can shine even in brief stories. Consider the shortest known story, often attributed to Ernest Hemingway:
“For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”
It might lack resolution, but it sparks emotion and imagination — not bad for six words!
So, how do you apply these elements in public speaking?
3. How to include storytelling in different types of speeches.
As a public speaking coach, I believe storytelling can be used in nearly any speaking scenario.
(Except maybe in a courtroom – stick to the facts there!)
The how, where, and when depend on your speech type:
In a TED-style talk or wedding speech, you might weave multiple short stories, either linked sequentially or as standalone anecdotes tied to the main theme. For tips on crafting a memorable wedding speech, check out our guide to giving a stand-out Best Man speech.
In a formal business presentation, balance storytelling with data. Use a brief story to highlight a problem, showcase a benefit, or advocate for change, then back it up with facts.
In a technical presentation, where information dominates, storytelling can feel a bit out of place — but is actually even more important. Try opening with a short anecdote and circling back to it at the end to reinforce your message.
From keynotes to quarterly updates, and panels to podcasts, storytelling can elevate almost any type of speaking you’re doing.
But how do you ensure your story resonates? Let’s dive into that.
4. How to structure public speaking stories effectively.
Crafting a compelling story for a speech requires the right planning to achieve the desired impact.
Follow these steps to structure a successful story:
- Clarify the topic: Ensure your story aligns with your core message or idea. If it feels too random, it won’t resonate!
- Create your characters: Introduce a relatable character: yourself, a real person, or a fictional one — but with enough detail to feel authentic.
- Conjure the conflict: Build tension with internal conflict: “I was paralysed by indecision”, or external conflict: “Just when the project was ready, our funding was pulled.” Raise the stakes!
- Craft your plot: Outline a sequence of events leading to a climax and resolution, answering “What happened next?”
This might all sound complex, but keeping things simple is key. If your story veers off into too many directions, your audience may get lost. Find it hard staying on track? Don’t worry — for that, we use frameworks.
Frameworks are simple structures, around which you can tell your story. One of the most common is the S.O.A.R framework. Here’s how you can follow it:
The S.O.A.R Method:
Situation – Set the scene: where were you, what’s happening? (character)
Obstacle – Describe the challenge you faced. (conflict, emotion)
Action – Explain how you tackled it. (plot development)
Resolution – Share the outcome. (resolution)
Many storytelling frameworks exist, some very simple, others more intricate. The point stays the same. Following a structure gives you a shortcut to engaging stories.
Ready to speak with confidence?
5. How to make your story powerful and captivating.
Once your story is structured, it’s time to bring it to life with your delivery.
Storytelling often demands a more expressive performance than standard public speaking, blending different emotions, being more animated, and sometimes physically acting out moments from your story.
Here’s how to hit those high notes:
Body Language:
The earliest storytellers? They didn’t even have words! Before we developed language, stories were expressed purely through gestures and movements. Modern speakers, especially in corporate settings, may need a bit of courage to deliver a more animated story — but a small amount can go a long way.
After all, when telling a story, audiences expect some theatricality. So ditch the stiff delivery and throw in some bold gestures and facial expressions — just think passion, not panto.
Vocal Variety:
Your voice is like a movie soundtrack: setting the mood and guiding emotions. Vary your pitch, pace, tone, and volume to bring characters and scenes to life. Pauses are especially powerful for building suspense – aim for at least one well-timed pause in every story.
Struggle with a monotone voice? Check out our 5 Tips on Vocal Variety.
Senses:
Engage your audience’s imagination by describing what characters saw, heard, or felt. When you include these sensory details, it creates a vivid mental image in your listeners minds — exactly what we want to make your message memorable.
While storytelling can edge into acting, you don’t need to overdo it. A touch of theatrics at the right moment is what’s needed, not turning your boardroom into a Broadway stage.
But how do you feel confident enough to pull it off?
6. Tips for delivering your story with confidence.
Great storytelling, like all public speaking, thrives on composure. Nerves are normal, but you don’t need to banish them entirely. In fact, storytelling is one of the best ways to channel that nervous energy into your delivery.
Here are top tips for confident delivery:
Rehearse your delivery:
Rehearsal builds confidence. Practice your story until you know it by heart. That doesn’t have to mean you’ve memorised things word-for-word, just that you’re familiar enough with the flow. Some people worry about ‘over preparing’, but in my experience, the more you practise beforehand, the more natural you can be on the day.
Keep your eyes on your audience:
Avoid staring into space while recalling your story. Direct eye contact keeps audiences engaged and helps you stay present, boosting your confidence. (Just don’t picture them naked!)
Pace and pauses:
Rushing increases nerves, while slowing down and using pauses keeps you calm and in control. Pauses also add drama, enhancing both your story and your composure.
Connect with your audience:
Break the speaker-audience barrier with questions, hand raises, or interactive moments (if planned). Feeling connected to your audience reduces anxiety and makes storytelling feel more collaborative.
Channel your nerves:
Feeling the adrenaline? Good! Nervous energy is normal. The trick is harnessing it towards your performance, rather than trying to bottle it up (which never works). If you need to, channel that energy in bigger gestures, a bolder voice, and more passion behind your words.
Next, let’s draw inspiration from some storytelling masters.
7. Examples of great public speakers using storytelling.
These iconic speakers show how storytelling captivates audiences:
- Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement Speech (2005): Jobs shared three personal stories about chasing dreams, embracing failure, and finding purpose. His relatable, emotional narratives made his message unforgettable.
- Brené Brown’s TED Talk on Vulnerability (2010): Brown’s honest stories about her struggles with vulnerability connected deeply with audiences, blending authenticity and humour.
- Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech (1963): King’s vivid imagery, metaphors, and personal anecdotes about racial equality created an emotional, enduring message.
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk on The Danger of a Single Story (2009): Adichie’s stories about her Nigerian upbringing highlighted the power of different narratives, making her message compelling.
Remember, storytelling doesn’t always need grandiose themes – everyday anecdotes can be just as powerful if delivered well. For more on charismatic delivery, explore our 12 ways to speak with charisma.
But there are pitfalls to avoid. Let’s cover those next…
8. Common mistakes to avoid when using storytelling in public speaking.
While storytelling is subjective, certain missteps can undermine your impact:
- Overly long stories: Keep it concise to maintain attention. Rambling stories lose impact.
- Irrelevant stories: Ensure your story ties to your speech’s theme, or it will confuse listeners.
- Disorganised delivery: Practice to avoid forgetting key details, and if in doubt, stick to a framework.
- Inappropriate content: Choose stories that suit your audience — if you’re unsure, get a second opinion before delivering it.
- Losing the point: Don’t let the story overshadow your core message —always highlight the takeaway.
Next, how do you know if your story is landing?
9. How to measure the effectiveness of your storytelling.
Like comedians testing jokes, speakers must gauge audience reactions to refine their storytelling.
Here’s how to assess your impact:
Direct audience feedback: Post-speech surveys, apps, or conversations provide specific insights into what worked or didn’t. Try tools from our list of the best public speaking apps.
Audience engagement: Watch for real-time cues – laughter, gasps, or nodding along are the obvious one. But don’t mistake silence as a bad thing — it’s often a sign that people are completely absorbed!
Positive results: If you get the job, land the pitch, or get asked to speak again, there’s no better sign that your stories hit the mark.
Tracking feedback helps you refine your skills over time. Storytelling, like anything, is mastered through practice, iteration, and improvement.
Finally, let’s address common questions.
10. Frequently asked questions about storytelling for public speakers:
- Can I use storytelling in any type of speech? Yes, from business pitches to personal anecdotes, storytelling works if it’s relevant to your message.
- How long should my story be? Keep it short — 30 seconds to a few minutes — unless it’s the backbone of a longer speech.
- Should I memorise my story? Know it well but don’t recite it robotically. Internalize key points for a natural delivery. You’ll naturally memorise some lines, while keeping others more spontaneous.
- What if my story flops? Stay positive, keep going. You never know how everyone felt, some people in your audience may have been enjoying it. Get feedback afterwards, and adjust for next time.
- Can I use humour in my storytelling? Absolutely! As long as it’s tasteful, and supports your message.
Bringing the story to a conclusion.
Storytelling is a timeless tool for public speakers, enabling us to share ideas, values, and emotions in ways that resonate deeply.
Without stories, speeches risk becoming dry data dumps. With them, you create connection, personality, and impact.
Mastering storytelling takes practice. It’s a lifetime skill! But if you include relatable characters, a dose of conflict, engaging delivery, and resolve things with a clear message — then you won’t go far wrong.
What stories will you tell?
To your public speaking success,
Ed
