Transform Complex Ideas into Stories People Remember

Why Simplicity and Storytelling Are Your Secret Weapons in a Crowded Market

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That moment when someone stops typing, leans in, and says, "wait, say that again"? That's not luck. That's what happens when complex ideas become unforgettable stories. And it’s a skill you can learn.

In a world drowning in AI-generated content and "thought leadership," the struggle isn't creating ideas—it's making them stick. Everyone's fighting for attention with data, frameworks, and perfectly polished presentations.

But the experts who capture attention aren’t necessarily the smartest or most experienced. They’re the ones who transform complexity into stories that feel like conversations.

In their influential book Made to Stick, Chip and Dan Heath reveal something interesting.

Our most memorable messages (stories) work like flight simulators for the brain. They don't just tell people what to do, they let them experience how to do it.

By the end of this piece, you'll have two simple prompts that help you do exactly that. I'll show you how I used them to transform my positioning work from "interesting theory" into stories that made people stop their scroll and start taking notes. Let’s turn expertise into connection.

“This is the role that stories play—putting knowledge into a framework that is more lifelike, more true to our day-to-day existence. More like a flight simulator. Being the audience for a story isn’t so passive, after all. Inside, we’re getting ready to act.” - Made to Stick

When Brilliance Isn’t Enough

Look, your insights might be revolutionary. You've clearly put in the work. Probably have expertise coming out of your ears by now. But in a world where everyone's attention span has shrunk to seconds, something else matters more.

I watched countless brilliant presentations flop with the enthusiasm of a deflated balloon. Data, slides, and even personal credentials couldn’t hold attention. Complexity wasn’t impressive. Connection was.

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Uncover Stories That Resonate

To turn moments of brilliance into opportunities for connection, here’s where you start. Before diving into the prompts, let’s prepare the story elements. This prep work separates generic content from messaging that lingers in your audience’s mind.

Take a moment to ground yourself in these questions:

Your Moment of Truth

• When did you first realize your current approach wasn’t enough?

• What specific scene or situation made everything clear?

• What were you doing when the insight hit?

(Example: A consultant might recall the moment when a client rejected their "best practice" solution because it didn’t solve the client’s actual problem.)

Your Audience’s Daily Reality

• What frustrates them most right now?

• What are they trying but failing to achieve?

• What keeps them up at night?

(Example: A small business owner might be overwhelmed by marketing tactics that don’t generate leads.)

The Transformation You Enable

• What becomes possible with your approach?

• What specific outcome can you help create?

• What small win proves it’s working?

Pro Tip: Start with your “moment of truth.” Often, once that flows, the rest comes naturally. This question acts as your anchor—it’s the turning point that leads to transformation.

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Your Story Generator Prompt

Here’s the prompt I use to uncover the story hiding in your expertise: