We’ve all been in meetings or presentations where someone shares a ton of information—charts, data points, and bullet lists that explain exactly what we need to know. And yet, five minutes later, we’ve already forgotten most of it. On the flip side, think about a time when someone told a great story—maybe it made you laugh, inspired you, or even gave you goosebumps. That story probably stuck with you, right?
That’s the magic of storytelling. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. While information sharing focuses on delivering facts and figures, storytelling creates a connection that turns those facts into something people care about—and remember. In this post, we’ll explore the difference between the two, why storytelling is such a powerful tool, and how to decide when to use each approach.
Information Sharing: Giving People a Map
Think of information sharing as giving someone a map. You’re saying, “Here are the landmarks, here’s the path, and here’s how you get from point A to point B.” It’s clear, straightforward, and gets the job done.
This approach is great when you need to communicate facts, instructions, or knowledge in a concise and efficient way. The goal here is clarity—making sure the audience walks away with the key takeaways they need to move forward.
However, while information sharing gets the message across, it often lacks an emotional connection. People might understand the facts, but they’re less likely to remember them—or care deeply about them. It’s functional, but not always memorable.
Storytelling: Taking People on a Journey
Storytelling, on the other hand, is like taking someone on a guided tour of that same map. You’re saying, “Let me show you this incredible hidden path. There’s a breathtaking view around this corner, and oh, wait until you hear the story behind this spot—it’s wild!”
You’re not just giving them the landmarks—you’re creating an experience. Stories add emotion, personality, and meaning to the information. They help people connect with the message on a deeper level and, more importantly, remember it long after the conversation ends.
It’s the difference between saying, “This product will save you 30 minutes a day,” and saying, “Imagine what you could do with an extra 30 minutes each day—maybe it’s finally getting that morning walk in or having dinner with your family without rushing.” Storytelling doesn’t just convey the what—it makes the why feel personal and real.
When to Use Information Sharing vs. Storytelling
Both information sharing and storytelling are valuable tools, but they serve different purposes. Here’s how to decide when to use each approach:
Information Sharing is best for:
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- Reports and data-heavy presentations
- Explaining technical processes or instructions
- Audiences that need quick, factual updates
- Communicating timelines, metrics, or deliverables
Storytelling is best for:
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- Inspiring action or creating a call to arms
- Teaching a concept or reinforcing a lesson
- Building emotional resonance with the audience
- Persuading or influencing decisions
- Sharing a vision, values, or culture
For example, if you’re presenting quarterly sales data to your team, information sharing is probably the way to go. But if you’re pitching a new initiative to leadership, storytelling can make your case more compelling by showing the human impact or future possibilities.
Blending the Two for Maximum Impact
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose between information sharing and storytelling. The best communicators know how to blend the two effectively.
- Start with a story to grab attention and set the stage. For instance, begin a presentation with a relatable anecdote or case study that ties into your key point.
- Layer in the facts to build credibility. Once you’ve hooked the audience, share the data or technical details to back up your story.
- End with a narrative twist to leave a lasting impression. Wrap up by connecting the information back to the story you started with, reinforcing the emotional connection.
By balancing facts with feeling, you make your message both memorable and actionable.
What Do You Want Your Audience to Remember?
At the end of the day, it’s all about how you want your audience to engage with your message. Do you want them to just know the information, or do you want them to remember it and take it to heart?
Information sharing gives people the “what,” but storytelling gives them the “why” in a way that resonates on a deeper level. Whether you’re delivering a presentation, pitching an idea, or teaching a lesson, knowing when to share facts and when to tell a story can make all the difference.
So, the next time you’re crafting your message, ask yourself: how can I give them the map—and the journey?
