Storytelling in Tech and Business: 9 narratives to Influence & Connect

People don’t act based on logic alone.  They act because it feels right. Not that you don’t need data and a rationale, but relying solely on logic can leave your influence skills hitting a brick wall.

You need to stir up their emotions.  That doesn’t involve sobs and wild gesticulations, you may be relieved to know. There are more subtle techniques to kick people into action. One of the most effective is strategic storytelling.

The Science Behind Storytelling In Business

Whether you’re in pharmaceuticals, tech or a creative agency, storytelling is vital for changing behaviours or making your point stick.

Neuroscientists have even found that the way a story is structured can predict with 80% accuracy whether people will donate to a cause. That’s how powerful storytelling is—it shapes decisions at a subconscious level.

Why Storytelling Works in Tech

One of my clients, a Finance Company, realised they needed to use stories, to influence colleagues and customers, instead of leaning solely on data,

But when I was training the teams to do this, they became stuck. They couldn’t think of themes for their stories – without a central message, even a structure as simple as the Pain, Pivot, Prize wouldn’t help.

As a result, I drew up a comprehensive list of storytelling themes they could use for storytelling in tech and business.

The result?

They were able to define exactly when they were going to apply their story. In fact, during a break in our training, one participant used an anecdote in a live customer call. After just two minutes, the customer responded: “Good Answer!” and agreed to follow the suggested strategy.

The group are now equipped to:

• Get buy-in with colleagues and leaders (without relying on spreadsheets);
• Build rapport with prospects (who identify with the character in your narrative);
• Create connection (as you show that you recognise their difficulty as well as their desired outcomes).

Whether you’re talking to your team, shaping a project, or leading through uncertainty, the right story can turn dry data into something unforgettable.

Nine Storytelling Themes for Influence and Connection

I’ve divided these themes into four main subject areas, but you may see a crossover.  For example, under ‘Teams’ there’s ‘Turning A Problem To An Advantage’, which could apply equally to a Project.

TEAMS

1. Assumptions About People Turned Upside Down

Describe the previous assumption made about user behaviour. How was it tested and what realisations resulted?

2. Turning A Problem To An Advantage

A realisation about a team member or technology that changed how you work or behave. Describe what was happening. How did you and others react? How did you turn that issue into an opportunity. How is it an opportunity?

PROJECTS

3. Too Many Cooks Spoil The Broth

How streamlining people, scope or budget impacted a project outcome.

4. A Lesson In Handling Expectations From Others

How setting boundaries and clarification created cohesion and collaboration

5. A Revolution – How Outside Events Impacted A Project

Describe the unexpected event, impact and the result.

LEADERSHIP

6. Motivating During Tough Times

The situation, its impact, the changes made, and the outcome.

7. Salutary Situations

When leaders pick the wrong priorities. Describe the background, response and effect. State lessons learned.

GENERAL

8. Research & Discoveries

Recent studies, experience, polls and what you discovered about clients or suppliers.

9. Values

A time when you discovered what really matters. A crunch point occurred. Describe what was at stake – what could you have lost or gained? What did you realise was the ‘important factor’?

Download this Visual Summary for Easy Reference:

How to Apply These Stories in Your Work

You’ve seen how storytelling can shift perspectives, drive change, and create impact in tech. Now, it’s time to put it into action.

Your Action:

1. Pick a Theme – Choose one from the list that resonates with your work. What story do you need to tell right now?
2. Sketch the Key Moments – Outline the challenge, the turning point, and the outcome. Keep it simple and clear.
3. Tell It – Whether in a meeting, a presentation, or a report, share your story in a way that lands your message and drives action.

Mastering Storytelling for Business and Tech – Next steps

I can help you or your people develop storytelling skills with tangible results

Ready to look into storytelling skills training. Grab a free 15-minute Discovery Call here  (no strings attached!)

Storytelling in Tech and Business helps you:

• Highlight your credibility (without sounding like a bragass);
• Motivate others by framing their pain points and desired outcomes;
• Use narratives naturally – so persuasion feel effortless.

Here’s a DOWNLOADABLE business storytelling structure you can download right here – ideal for a WHOLE presentation – PLUS the full gamut of 18 THEMES FOR STORYTELLING IN BUSINESS AND TECH (with a gift you’d be remiss to pass up on…)

GRAB THE STORYTELLING TEMPLATE + GIFT

Featured picture is Peter Blume’s ‘The Rock’ from my visit to the splendid Art Institute, Chicago.