My 4-Step Story Equation: Storytelling Made Simple

It’s conference season, which means I’m working with lots of clients on speeches—crafting and delivering compelling content that will MOVE their audience into action.

This is one of my favorite (and busiest) times of the year, and in working with clients on their talk tracks, I’m reminded again and again that most of us never actually learn how to tell a story. We’re all familiar with writing essays, crafting persuasive arguments, practicing the quadratic equation in that long-ago algebra class...

But storytelling? That’s a fundamental skill that often gets left behind in our classic education model.

And yet, storytelling is an equation. YES, really. An equation that's as structured and clear as any you’d find in an algebra textbook. It’s just that most of us were never taught the formula.

Here’s the storytelling equation I coach clients to use:

1. Situation Start by grounding your audience. This is the "who," "what," "where," and "when." Where are we? What’s happening? Give them just enough context so they know where you’re taking them. You’re painting the background scene.

Tip: Keep it tight. We’re not looking for a Lord of the Rings here. Use details that paint a picture but don’t overwhelm. Think snapshots, not photo albums.

2. Complication Here’s where things get interesting. This is the conflict, the tension, the problem that makes the story worth telling. It’s the part that makes people lean in and say, "Oh, this matters."

Tip: Don’t be afraid to get specific. What’s at stake? What challenge is being faced? If there’s no tension, there’s no story. And if there’s no story, there’s no reason for your audience to care.

3. Resolution So, you’ve set up the problem. Now, how did you (or your team, or your hero) resolve it? What action was taken? What changed?

Tip: Be concise, but give enough that it feels like a real journey. Resolutions aren’t always neat and tidy (and that’s okay). The key is to show progress, growth, or change.

4. The Point This is where most people stumble. WHY are you telling this story? Why does it matter? What’s the lesson, the insight, the big takeaway? This is where you bring it home.

Tip: If you can’t answer, “The reason I shared this story is...” in one clear sentence, go back to the drawing board. The point isn’t just about what happened — it’s about why it matters to your audience.

If you're wondering, What are we solving for with our equation? We want the audience to walk away with clear action items... feeling motivated or activated to accomplish them. Hence the importance of tying your story to your point.

The Magic Ingredient: Narrative Detail

Okay, listen up because this is where your story goes from “okay” to unforgettable.

Your job is to make your audience FEEL like they’re there. How? Through vivid, sensory details. It’s not just, “The room was loud.” It’s, “The hum of a hundred voices buzzed around me, my heart matching the beat as I stepped up to the mic.” You’re giving them the sights, sounds, and emotions. This is where the magic happens.

Use words that show, not just tell. Make it visceral. You want them to feel the anxiety, the excitement, the triumph right alongside you.

Want to see a straight-forward example? Watch me break down a story in Steve Kerr’s recent speech in this video.

The Equation, Simplified

So, you're reading to use the equation. Start small. As you prep for your next big presentation, pitch, or team meeting, use the following questions to apply the storytelling equation:

• Start with the Situation: Where are we? Why are we here?
• Introduce the Complication: What’s the challenge? Why should we care?
• Show the Resolution: How did you overcome it? What action was taken?
• Land the Point: Why does it matter? Why should your audience remember this?

Why Storytelling Matters (Seriously)

Because at the end of the day, stories are what connect us. It’s how we share our humanity, our struggles, our victories. It’s how we make others feel seen, understood, and inspired to act.

The next time you’re up on that stage, in that meeting, or even having a one-on-one conversation, remember that your audience doesn’t need more data or endless slides. They need a STORY. They need to be taken on a journey. You job is to be their guide.

Use this formula, add those vivid details... You’ll be the speaker everyone remembers.?

Questions about crafting a compelling story?

Wondering if your story fits the bill? Question(s) to ask? Anecdote to share? I love to hear from this community about how newsletter topics manifest in your world. Tell me! Reply, comment, or reshare with your thoughts to join the conversation.

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At Lange International Inc., we work with executives and their teams to approach every high-stakes moment with confidence, curiosity, and poise–and have fun while doing it! We work one-on-one with leaders and also deliver keynotes and workshops for companies around the globe. Looking to level up your communication? We’d love to connect. Discover our digital courses for deeper learning: Executive Presence & High Stakes-Communications.