Thursday, July 24, 2025

Craft Stories that Sell: Danny Brassel

Secret to Memorable Presentations Be Funny without Offending: Self-Deprecating Humor Episode 267 (Danny is based in Denver, Colorado) In this conversation with Danny Brassel we explore: • how to instantly connect with your audience using relatability, authority, and purpose • why storytelling beats bullet points for memorability and emotional connection • how to mine everyday experiences for meaningful stories that support your message • why self-deprecating humor is the safest and most effective form of humor in today’s culture • how sharing personal failures builds stronger trust and audience rapport than bragging • how business leaders can use storytelling to boost team morale and alignment • why sad stories must have a hopeful ending to avoid emotional manipulation • how to balance facts and feelings to reach both logical and emotional audience members • the importance of a single clear call to action at the end of your presentation • how to structure your talk using the 5C framework: Clarity, Connect, Content, Call to Action, and Close ----- About our guest, Danny Brassel: A speaker, trainer and coach known as “Jim Carrey with a Ph.D.,” Dr. Danny Brassell (www.DannyBrassell.com (http://www.dannybrassell.com) ) has spoken to over 3,500 audiences worldwide. He has authored 18 books, including Leadership Begins with Motivation and Misfits and Crackpots. The co-founder of The WellCrafted Story Workshop™, Danny helps entrepreneurs, individuals and organizations leverage speaking on stages as a client lead-source that converts.  Get your free copy of the Storytelling Blueprint https://wellcraftedstoryworkshop.com/blueprint ----- 💡 Key Learning Points 1. Open strong with R.A.P. – Build connection in the first five minutes by being Relatable, demonstrating Authority, and declaring your Purpose. 2. Stories beat slides. – People remember stories, not bullet points. Use storytelling to make your message stick and drive action. 3. You already have great stories. – Everyday experiences—even small, silly, or embarrassing ones—can become powerful presentation tools when reframed with purpose. 4. Self-deprecating humor is the safest humor. – When you laugh at yourself, you make the audience comfortable, avoid offending anyone, and build trust. 5. Your failures build credibility. – Audiences connect more with your struggles than your successes. Vulnerability creates relatability. 6. Sad stories need hopeful endings. – A story without a resolution leaves the audience emotionally stuck. If you use a heavy story, resolve it with a positive outcome. 7. Be helpful, not just impressive. – Demonstrating usefulness—even with small tips—builds goodwill and long-term trust. 8. One clear call to action is essential. – Don’t overwhelm your audience with options. Give them a single, clear next step. 9. Appeal to both logic and emotion. – Speak to the “Joe Fridays” (fact-driven) and “Julia Roberts” (feeling-driven) in your audience for maximum engagement. 10. Training must be ongoing. – A one-day workshop isn’t enough. Repetition and coaching are necessary to truly master effective communication. ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with Geo...