8 answers
CareerVillage Office Hours
Student
Palo Alto, California
589
Questions
Updated
754 views
What’s a simple way to structure what I’m saying so my stories are clear and not all over the place?
What’s a simple way to structure what I’m saying so my stories are clear and not all over the place?
8 answers
Arpit Baranwal
Consulting
1
Answer
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Arpit’s Answer
Great question! You're already on the right track by asking questions. Here are four more questions to guide you:
1. Can I help my listener picture the situation? If they seem confused, keep explaining.
For example, mention if there were three people involved, it was a virtual meeting, or it was a remote job.
2. Is my goal clear once the situation is explained?
For instance, did I want to achieve something specific or change an opinion?
3. Do I understand my thought process and actions in that situation?
Example: I used the tool myself first/ I delegated these tasks and started working on these myself.
4. Have I communicated the impact of my actions?
Example: customer agreed with our quality claim/ We convinced them to paint the walls a certain color/
The ice cream vendor promised to start the new flavor we suggested.
5. Optional: If asked, be ready to share what you learned, how the experience changed you, or what you could have done better.
1. Can I help my listener picture the situation? If they seem confused, keep explaining.
For example, mention if there were three people involved, it was a virtual meeting, or it was a remote job.
2. Is my goal clear once the situation is explained?
For instance, did I want to achieve something specific or change an opinion?
3. Do I understand my thought process and actions in that situation?
Example: I used the tool myself first/ I delegated these tasks and started working on these myself.
4. Have I communicated the impact of my actions?
Example: customer agreed with our quality claim/ We convinced them to paint the walls a certain color/
The ice cream vendor promised to start the new flavor we suggested.
5. Optional: If asked, be ready to share what you learned, how the experience changed you, or what you could have done better.
John Dillman
Technical Sales
1
Answer
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
John’s Answer
You've gotten lots of good advice here already! The most critical thing I keep in mind when structuring a story is the purpose. If I'm using the story in a job interview, then situation, action, result is great. What was the problem, what role did I play in resolving it, and how did that experience prepare me for the job? If I'm trying to highlight my skills resolving conflicts between people, then I'd describe the conflict and people involved, discuss what I personally did to solve the problem, and then link the problem solving skill to the job I'm applying for. The story here is a tool to provide evidence that I meet the requirements for the job. Once you you've got your story chosen, write out a basic outline, throw in a detail to make funny/interesting/memorable, and then practice it once or twice. Go out there and tell some stories!
Lindsay Gossner
Consulting
5
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Lindsay’s Answer
A simple way to keep your stories clear is to lead with the headline, then use the "STAR" method. In interview or networking settings, I like to think of it as “result first, then STAR.” Start with the outcome so your listener immediately understands why the story matters. Then walk them through the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
When choosing a story, tailor it to your audience. In an interview, focus on the experiences that best show the skills the role requires. Use specific details, include numbers when they add credibility, and aim to keep your answer to about 2–3 minutes.
Here’s what that can look like in practice: “One quarter, I hit 120% of quota as a rookie sales rep in a brand-new territory. Back in 2016, I had just joined JKL Sales and was responsible for calling on 250+ potential clients and generating $500K in sales. It was a tough assignment because none of these clients knew our brand, and many would hang up within minutes. I realized I needed a more targeted approach, so I organized the territory by business revenue and likelihood to buy, then visited 40% of the accounts in person and followed up the same day and one week later. By the end of the quarter, I had generated $600K in sales, and my VP recognized the approach in our all-hands meeting.”
When choosing a story, tailor it to your audience. In an interview, focus on the experiences that best show the skills the role requires. Use specific details, include numbers when they add credibility, and aim to keep your answer to about 2–3 minutes.
Here’s what that can look like in practice: “One quarter, I hit 120% of quota as a rookie sales rep in a brand-new territory. Back in 2016, I had just joined JKL Sales and was responsible for calling on 250+ potential clients and generating $500K in sales. It was a tough assignment because none of these clients knew our brand, and many would hang up within minutes. I realized I needed a more targeted approach, so I organized the territory by business revenue and likelihood to buy, then visited 40% of the accounts in person and followed up the same day and one week later. By the end of the quarter, I had generated $600K in sales, and my VP recognized the approach in our all-hands meeting.”
Marty Meyer
General Manager
91
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Marty’s Answer
There's an old saying - tell 'em what you are going to say, say it, tell 'em what you told 'em.
Be concise and clear and speak simply - don't complicate your subject. Use simple language and terms, ask for questions and insert a bit of humor if you can- audiences perk up when they're entertained. Good luck - don't overthink it, you'll be great.
Be concise and clear and speak simply - don't complicate your subject. Use simple language and terms, ask for questions and insert a bit of humor if you can- audiences perk up when they're entertained. Good luck - don't overthink it, you'll be great.
Logan Leal, M.A.
Communications Consultant
14
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Logan’s Answer
Hi, I have the secret to the best story! One tip I have for structuring stories is this layout:
1.) Attention Grabber
2.) Introduction
3.) Main Body
4.) Call back to introduction
5.) Conclusion
Introduction, Main Body, and Conclusion are normal. Attention Grabber is key, as this is how you get the reader to keep reading. An attention grabber comes in man forms, like what I placed at the first sentence of this post. A call back to the introduction is also key, as it keeps the entire story together.
I hope this short tip helps. Please reach out if you have any follow-up questions. Good luck on the future stories you write!
1.) Attention Grabber
2.) Introduction
3.) Main Body
4.) Call back to introduction
5.) Conclusion
Introduction, Main Body, and Conclusion are normal. Attention Grabber is key, as this is how you get the reader to keep reading. An attention grabber comes in man forms, like what I placed at the first sentence of this post. A call back to the introduction is also key, as it keeps the entire story together.
I hope this short tip helps. Please reach out if you have any follow-up questions. Good luck on the future stories you write!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
674
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Begin by outlining the situation, then explain the task and your role in it. Describe your actions step-by-step and conclude with the outcome. This straightforward approach keeps your story clear and organized. Use simple linking words like first, then, and as a result to make it easy to follow, focusing on key details. When speaking, be yourself and don't worry about sounding perfect. Emphasize your personal contributions and tailor the level of detail to your audience.
Sheila Blandford
Financial Planning & Analysis
3
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
To find the best method for you, try different approaches. Start by creating an outline. Write down the main ideas you want to discuss without worrying about details at first.
Next, develop 2-4 points for each idea. This is just a draft, so don't stress about spelling or making everything perfect yet.
Once you have your main points, add an opening and closing paragraph. This gives you a complete picture. Now, turn your points into full paragraphs. Ensure each paragraph expresses a clear idea and connects smoothly to the next.
If you're presenting live, practice is crucial. Record yourself on video to see if your points are too short or long, or if you need more examples. Notice if you speak too fast or show nervousness. Practice at least three times and watch each recording to track your improvement. Don't be too hard on yourself; you'll get better with time.
Good luck! You'll do great!
Next, develop 2-4 points for each idea. This is just a draft, so don't stress about spelling or making everything perfect yet.
Once you have your main points, add an opening and closing paragraph. This gives you a complete picture. Now, turn your points into full paragraphs. Ensure each paragraph expresses a clear idea and connects smoothly to the next.
If you're presenting live, practice is crucial. Record yourself on video to see if your points are too short or long, or if you need more examples. Notice if you speak too fast or show nervousness. Practice at least three times and watch each recording to track your improvement. Don't be too hard on yourself; you'll get better with time.
Good luck! You'll do great!
Ryan Bauer
Data and Cybersecurity Consultant
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
I picked up a great technique from a Harvard graduate who also worked at McKinsey and taught at Emory's business school. It's called the three-finger summary, and it's a great way to begin a clear answer:
1) Situation: What's going on?
2) Complication: What's the challenge?
3) Key Question: How do we solve this problem?
To answer the question, add what you did.
End with the outcome. By doing so, we were able to - Solve the complication by answering the question posed.
1) Situation: What's going on?
2) Complication: What's the challenge?
3) Key Question: How do we solve this problem?
To answer the question, add what you did.
End with the outcome. By doing so, we were able to - Solve the complication by answering the question posed.
Delete Comment
Flag Comment