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How to achieve excellence in storytelling

Excellence in storytelling refers to your subject matter as well as how your story is told. Here’s why good enough is never enough, and how to make sure your story truly cuts through. By Dr Erin O’Dwyer

I recently went to see an iconic Australian rock star in performance.

He’s a songwriting genius. His stage presence is magnetic. And his lyrics told the stories of Australian life for decades.

But the truth is, his vocal cords are in poor form. It was a disappointing concert – one I’d rather not have attended. We seek out artists who are breaking new ground or performers at the top of their game. Yes, there’s sentimentality in hearing the old songs we loved. But it’s hard to watch greatness in decline.

Excellence in storytelling

In storytelling, excellence is not optional. Excellence in storytelling asks two questions:

What is the extraordinary element in your story? This could be a world-class achievement, a groundbreaking discovery, a remarkable bond between people or teams, or an extraordinary outcome. This element is what cuts through the noise. It gives your audience a reason to lean in.
Is the story itself told with excellence? A story worth telling must be told well. Poor execution undermines even the most extraordinary subject.

As with that rock star, excellence in one era doesn’t guarantee excellence forever. Skills fade, contexts change – and sometimes, for the sake of the audience, it’s time to hang up the microphone.

What is the extraordinary element in your story?

Lessons for leaders and comms professionals

If you’re a leader or shaping a leader’s public voice, you can’t rely solely on past glory or inherent brilliance. Excellence has to be present in the now – in the quality of the narrative, the strength of the delivery, and the alignment between story and audience.

Ask yourself:

What is the extraordinary element here?
Is it coming through in the way we tell the story?
If not, what needs to change?

Because when you combine an extraordinary subject with extraordinary execution, your story doesn’t just reach people – it moves them.

Is the story itself told with excellence?

For creatives

Whether you’re writing a book, hosting a podcast, or producing a film – the principle of excellence in storytelling applies. The extraordinary might be your technical skill or your unique style. But craft is not enough – the narrative must be just as strong.

Audiences don’t remember ‘good enough’. They remember the work that stuns them, that shines through, that makes them tell someone else about it the next day. That’s what excellence in storytelling means.

Final thoughts: Audiences know excellence when they see it. They also know when it’s missing. And in storytelling – as in music – good enough is never enough.

At Good Prose Studios, we help you tell better stories.

The Story Game Plan is our signature service: a high‑impact strategy session plus ongoing guidance to help you tell stories that cut through. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gnyG3Z56

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