I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling. It’s what drew me to acting. It’s what helped me connect to characters and audiences on a deep emotional level. But when I stepped into the world of professional speaking, I realized something important. A great story can capture attention—but it won’t create real impact unless it’s tied to a clear, meaningful message.
This is something Leah Woodford and I explored in our recent Beyond Impact conversation. Leah is the founder of Speaker Life Magazine and works with speakers every day to help them refine their voice and elevate their brand. Her take was refreshingly honest:
“A story without a message or teaching points or something that’s going to pour into your audience just doesn’t make sense to me.”
Your Story Isn’t the Destination
When someone hands me a script as an actor, my job is to bring it to life. I tap into the character’s motivations, struggles, and growth. But in the speaking world, I’ve learned that telling a compelling story isn’t the end goal. It’s just the beginning.
The audience doesn’t need to hear your story because it’s dramatic or inspiring. They need to hear your story because it helps them get somewhere they’re trying to go. That’s the shift. You’re not sharing for attention—you’re sharing for transformation.
What Makes a Message That Moves?
To build a message that resonates, you have to go deeper than your own experience. You need to ask:
- What’s the core truth behind your story?
- What teaching points can someone apply to their life?
- How does your experience solve a problem for someone else?
Leah said it well: “Everything has to be about your audience.” That applies whether you’re creating a keynote, launching a podcast, or pitching a brand.
If the audience doesn’t see how your message helps them grow, change, or take action, it won’t stick.
Tie Emotion to Purpose
There’s nothing wrong with being vulnerable. In fact, some of the most powerful moments I’ve had on stage have come from sharing personal struggles. But vulnerability without direction can feel self-serving.
Leah shared a key distinction: “Make sure it’s a scar, not a wound.”
When you speak from a place of healing, your message carries weight. It has perspective. And it creates space for others to reflect and grow. But if you’re still processing the pain, it’s harder to lead others through it.
When I talk about my own experiences—from the grind of auditions to my cancer journey—I always ask myself, what’s the takeaway? What’s the shift I want the audience to experience by the end?
Focus on the Transformation
The most effective talks I’ve seen follow a simple arc:
- They begin with empathy
- They offer a turning point
- They land with a lesson
That lesson is the difference between a speech people remember and one they act on. And that’s the goal. To move people to think differently, behave differently, or believe in something new.
Whether you’re speaking to a small team or a packed auditorium, your message matters more than your backstory. Your story is a tool. Your message is the impact.
Hear the Full Conversation with Leah Woodford
If you’re figuring out how to tell your story in a way that connects and converts, this episode is a must. Leah and I talk about storytelling, branding, and what it really takes to turn your experiences into a signature message that moves people.
Everyone has a story. What sets great speakers apart is how they use that story to serve others. That’s when it becomes more than a story. That’s when it becomes a message that moves.
