Leadership Story Talks | Jerome & Julienne Discuss Navigating Vulnerability in Storytelling

In this debrief episode, hosts Julienne Ryan and Jerome Deroy reflect on their conversation with Lisa Hope Telstra and explore the art of navigating vulnerability in storytelling. They discuss the power of acknowledging emotions in real-time and how giving the audience guidance on how to receive a story can transform the experience for both the speaker and the listener.

This episode is a reminder that storytelling—whether in a professional setting, a personal conversation, or on stage—is not just about what we say, but how we prepare our audience to engage with it.

You’ll Hear:
🎭 The Role of Emotional Transparency – How acknowledging emotions while telling a story can deepen audience engagement rather than distract from the message.

🔄 Helping Your Audience Help You – Why guiding listeners on how to receive a story prevents discomfort and fosters understanding.

🗣️ The Power of Naming the Moment – How simply stating, “I’m feeling nervous” or “This story is difficult to tell” can put both speaker and audience at ease.

💡 Applying Storytelling to Everyday Situations – How vulnerability and presence apply beyond the stage, from job interviews to team meetings.

📢 Why ‘Why Now?’ Matters – Understanding why a story needs to be told in the moment and how it aligns with the audience’s needs.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Emotions Are Not a Distraction – Acknowledging what you feel while sharing a story can create a stronger connection rather than pulling focus away.

✅ Prepare Your Audience for the Journey – Whether it’s a personal story of loss or a business presentation, letting people know how to engage creates a better experience for everyone.

✅ Define What Success Looks Like – Before sharing, ask yourself what you want your audience to take away—awareness, action, or simply acknowledgment.

✅ Vulnerability is a Leadership Strength – Leaders who embrace their emotions and communicate openly foster trust and engagement in their teams.

✅ Small Adjustments Make a Big Impact – Even in everyday conversations, offering simple context—“I just need you to listen”—helps people support you more effectively.

For leaders, storytellers, and anyone navigating emotionally charged conversations, this episode provides valuable tools for turning vulnerability into a powerful communication asset.

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

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EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

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