How to be a better storyteller when writing a keynote speech
Humans have always connected through story.
Around fires. Across dinner tables. At events. It’s how we learn, remember, and decide what matters.
Storytelling’s not new (sorry, Instagram). But with so much noise online, it might feel like the latest buzzword. Truth is, it’s always been the thing that cuts through.
And today, that’s more important than ever. Why? Because people are overwhelmed with information. Attention spans are short. And stories cut through where data dumps don’t.
Sounds obvious, right? Until you actually try it.
If you’ve ever sat down to write a keynote and found yourself sounding like bullet points lifted straight off your CV… you’re not alone.
Something weird happens when we put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Suddenly, the words we’d naturally say turn into stiff, “professional” sentences that feel like they belong in a LinkedIn bio circa 2010.
And while that might fly in an annual report (yawn), it won’t land when you’re standing on stage trying to keep a room full of people engaged.
A keynote isn’t about ticking off bullet points. It’s about connection. And the fastest route to connection? Storytelling.
Why “professional” very rarely lands:
Here’s what happens…
Written version:
“It was a difficult time, but ultimately it helped me grow.”
Spoken version:
“I sat in my car, hands glued to the steering wheel, and thought: how the hell am I going to get through this?”
See the difference? The first floats past your audience. The second drops them in the moment with you.
Storytelling is about showing, not telling. Your job as a keynote speaker is to make people feel something, not just process information.
But first? Not every story belongs in every keynote.
Before you start writing, think about your audience. Then ask yourself:
Who’s in the room?
Why are they here?
How have I been positioned as they keynote speaker?
What do I want them to remember (the feeling)?
Sharing how a “small” client project turned into a 3-month nightmare will hit home with an audience of creatives or consultants. But if you’re speaking to corporate leaders? Chances are they’re less interested in your scope creep horror story, and more in what it means for managing their teams.
Relevance is everything. A story that connects them to you will always land harder than one that’s there just because you love telling it.
The best keynotes don’t sound like lectures. They sound like a chat with your business bestie.
The one who’s got your back, calls you on your BS and leans in when you speak, ‘cos they actually want to hear what you’ve got to say.
Think: Less presentation and more conversation.
So here’s a simple tip: speak it out first. Literally.
Use your phone’s voice notes. Say what you want to say, how you’d say it to your biz bestie, then transcribe and refine the shit outta it.
And when you’re retelling a story, don’t skim the surface. Invite your audience in:
How did you feel?
What was going through your head in that exact moment?
Who else was in the room?
Why have you never forgotten this story?
Don’t just recount. Recreate.
4 storytelling tips that connect:
1. Drop your audience in the middle: Instead of starting with “A few years ago, I had a challenge at work…” try: “The boardroom went silent. Every eye was on me. And I realised I had 2 choices…”
2. Play with pacing. Short, sharp sentences build tension. Longer ones ease us into reflection. Use both.
3. Dialogue over description. Don’t write: “My boss dismissed my idea.” Write: “She leaned back, smirked, and said, ‘Cute. But no.’”
4. Anchor with feeling. Facts make people nod. Feelings make people remember.
You can write a killer keynote… and still lose your audience if your delivery falls flat.
Delivery matters.
Especially if the thought of stepping on stage gives you the pre-talk wobbles.
Working with voice, public speaking, and style coaches can shift the way your words land.
They’ll help you:
Speak clearly.
Match your tone and pacing to the emotional beats of your story.
Use body language and visual cues to strengthen your words.
Style yourself in a way that feels like you but also supports your message (because the clothes you wear are part of your stage presence too).
Build confidence so you own the stage, not just survive it.
Because it’s not just about the words. It’s about how you breathe life into them.
Think of your keynote as a package deal: the words, the way you say them, and the way you show up saying them. Yes, I can help with the words — and these legends can help with the rest.
Voice and public speaking coaches:
Katrina Roberts | Voice, Speech and Public Speaking Coach
Helping speakers, leaders, and professionals find genuine ease and confidence through expert voice, speech, and public speaking coaching.
Sally Prosser | Voice and Public Speaking Coach
Because your voice is your mark. Sally helps you speak with clarity and confidence so you connect, move hearts, and make an impact.
Annelise McCarthy | Speaking Coach
Guiding women to show up authentically, master speaking skills, and own their empowered voice with confidence.
Amanda Fleming | Personal Development Specialist
Helps leaders and teams develop the super valuable skills we all need in the 21st century — from communication and emotional intelligence to presentation, facilitation, and leadership.
P.S. Amanda also runs The Accelerator — her free online course membership. Join on up and you’ll get access to her digital book, I Can Speak Clearly Now the Pain Has Gone — a no-nonsense guide to owning your voice in this wild, noisy world.
Image and style consultants:
Curated event and photoshoot looks that align with your brand, cut the guesswork and make sure you show up feeling like you.
Maria Ward | Image Consultant and Personal Stylist
Based in Hawke’s Bay, Maria helps women feel confident in their style and how they present themselves — at work, at home, and everywhere in between. Beyond the wardrobe, she supports clients with posture, gestures, eye contact and confidence, so your stage presence matches your style.
Remember: when you’re writing your keynote, don’t get sucked into trying to sound “professional”.
(And puh-lease don’t get me started on what “professional” even means in 2025.)
Instead, focus on weaving your messaging with storytelling. Be clear on your audience. Drop them into the moment. Show, don’t tell. And then deliver it with confidence so your story sticks (for all the right reasons) long after the applause fades.
Hey cutie - I’m Pip, the creative + strategic website copywriter over here at Articulate Communications.
I’ve been told once or twice: I’ve got a way with words. And I sure as sugar know how to help you find your voice, share your stories, connect with your people, and sell while you sleep (or sip 2pm chilli coconut margs in the sunshine).
My copywriting services cover everything from website copy that actually converts to keynotes that don’t sound like a 2010 LinkedIn bio. Whatever the format, my goal’s the same: to craft words that work — so your brand feels magnetic and memorable.
Wanna see what that looks like for you? Holla at me.