Our first Unexpected Growth Special: The power of storytelling for prevention practice

In our first Unexpected Growth Special, we explore the topic of storytelling. Learn how to build stories that promote your clinic, that help you explain things or share the results of your work.

Unexpected Growth Special focuses on skills they don't usually teach you at medical university – but which are crucial for patient communication, navigating your daily work life or managing your clinic.

What you will learn in the Storytelling issue:

1. Use storytelling to inspire: Facts alone don’t move people, but stories do. They make ideas memorable, build trust, and drive action.
2. Follow the Golden Circle framework: Start with “Why” (purpose), then explain “How” (approach), and finally describe “What” (outcome). Leading with purpose strengthens emotional connection and audience engagement.
3. Know your audience: Adapt your tone, language, and storytelling style to connect with different listeners. Engage the senses, use relatable examples and avoid jargon to improve clarity.
4. Simplify your message: A great story is simple and focused. Avoid unnecessary details and prioritise the core takeaway.
5. Deliver with impact: Telling a story is a performance. Use strategic pauses, voice modulation, a confident posture, and purposeful gestures to enhance delivery and engagement.
6. Amplify your story’s reach: Build a circle of supporters who share your message. Use social media and in-person networking to expand your story’s reach and establish credibility.
7. Practice storytelling daily: The more you practice, the more of a natural storyteller you will become.

Why storytelling matters

In any professional setting, effective communication is key to building trust, inspiring action and fostering meaningful connections. But facts alone don’t move people – stories do. Storytelling is an art that transforms abstract concepts into relatable narratives. Indeed, stories make ideas more memorable and compelling. Whether you’re persuading a client, leading a team, or presenting an idea, mastering the art of storytelling can elevate your impact. Stories connect people with each other.