How to Use Storytelling to Create Engaging Content

Why Storytelling is the Secret Sauce to Create Engaging Content

One time, I met a girl and told her I was a storyteller and content creator.

She was like, “Wow, you must have such an interesting life!”

But the truth is, you don’t need a crazy, adventure-filled life to tell great stories.

Even the most ordinary moments can turn into engaging content—if you know how to see the magic in them.

I take out the trash, something happens—hold my coffee, I’m already crafting a story

So how do you make your content stand out?

✅The answer: train your inner storyteller.

Step 1: Observe and Collect Moments

Great storytelling starts with awareness.

Instead of waiting for something exciting to happen, start noticing the small, everyday moments that have potential.

Every day, I write down one realization based on a random situation.

The next morning, I go through my notes, pick the most interesting one, and turn it into a story.

Try this for a week, and I guarantee your brain will explode with ideas.

Why Small Moments Matter

We often assume that good stories come from grand adventures, but that’s not true.

Some of the best stories come from the tiniest details—things that people relate to on a personal level.

Think about the last time you read a post that made you smile, nod, or feel something.

Chances are, it was about something simple: a missed train, a conversation at a coffee shop, or an old song coming on the radio.

The power of storytelling isn’t in how big the event is—it’s in how well you make people feel connected to it.

Step 2: Find the Trigger That Hooks People

Remember? Last time, I talked about triggers.

These are moments, emotions, or themes that instantly grab people’s attention.

Ideally, you should keep a mental list of them 24/7. That’s where your story starts.

✅Example:

A customer ordered a dish that wasn’t on the menu.
I realized my grandma used to make that dish for me as a kid.
I created a special “Childhood Menu” so you can taste the dishes of those who are no longer with you.

See how a simple event turns into an emotional and relatable story?

How to Find Your Own Story Triggers

 

Start by paying attention to:

• Emotions: What made you laugh, cry, or get frustrated today?
• Observations: Did you notice something unique about your surroundings?
• Conversations: Did someone say something that stuck with you?
• Memories: Did today remind you of something from the past?

If you train yourself to catch these small triggers, you’ll never run out of content ideas.

Step 3: Use the Simple Storytelling Formula

The easiest way to structure your story? Follow this formula:

✅Situation > ✅Realization > ✅Message

• Situation: What happened? (Something people can visualize)
• Realization: What did you learn or understand from this?
• Message: How does this connect with your audience?

This keeps your story clear, relatable, and engaging.

Create Engaging Content: Example in Action

Imagine you’re a social media strategist, and you want to share an insight about content planning and want to create engaging content:

• Situation: You opened Instagram, scrolled for 10 minutes, and forgot why you even picked up your phone.
• Realization: You realized most people consume content passively, meaning they forget most posts unless they truly stand out.
• Message: If you’re a content creator, make every post count. Don’t post just to post—post with intention.

It’s relatable, simple, and leaves an impact.

A great example of this formula in action is Pedro Pascal in the Apple ad.

Let’s break it down:

• Situation: Pedro Pascal is sitting at a cafe, enjoying his coffee, when suddenly, he sees something surprising on his iPhone.
• Expectation: His facial expression shifts—his eyes widen slightly, and you can almost feel the anticipation. What did he see? What’s going to happen? The suspense keeps us hooked.
• Reaction: His emotions unfold on his face—curiosity, slight confusion, and then an amused realization. He smiles, leans back, and embraces the moment.
• Conclusion: Instead of reacting in a panic or stress, he simply enjoys life and moves forward. The message?

Live in the moment. Enjoy life!

Why This Works in Storytelling

1. It builds curiosity. The ad starts with an everyday moment but quickly creates anticipation—what is he reacting to? This makes the viewer lean in.
2. It plays with emotions. From curiosity to realization to contentment, the emotional journey is subtle but powerful.
3. It leaves an impact. The takeaway isn’t just about a phone feature; it’s about how we should engage with life—chill, enjoy, and not take everything so seriously.

Step 4: Forget Fancy Editing – Focus on Storytelling

A common mistake? Thinking you need expensive video editing software or perfectly designed Instagram stories to make an impact. Nope.

Believe it or not, I use Instagram’s default fonts and edit in a free app called VN.

No fancy effects, no trendy sounds—just storytelling and a deep understanding of my audience.

Yes, this is the simplest way to create engaging content.

Why Simplicity Wins

People engage with content that feels natural, not overly polished.

Think about viral TikToks—many are just people talking into a camera with minimal editing.

That’s because storytelling matters more than aesthetics.

If your content is relatable, emotional, and engaging, people won’t care if it’s edited with a free app or filmed on a phone.

Step 5: Make It About Your Audience

The best stories aren’t just about you—they’re about how your experience connects with your audience’s emotions, struggles, and desires.

Ask yourself:

• How does this relate to their problems or dreams?
• What emotions will they feel?
• How can they see themselves in my story?

Personal vs. Relatable Storytelling

✅A personal story: “I woke up today feeling unmotivated, so I made coffee and journaled. It helped.”

✅A relatable story: “Ever have those mornings where you feel stuck? Try this: grab coffee, grab a pen, and write down what’s on your mind. You’ll feel 10x lighter.”

See the difference? The first is about me. The second is about us. Relatable storytelling makes people feel seen.

Step 6: Keep Experimenting and Refining

Storytelling isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula.

It takes practice, experimentation, and adjusting based on what resonates with your audience.

Tips for Improving Your Storytelling

• Engage with comments. If people share their own experiences, that’s a sign your story worked.
• Test different tones. Play with humor, nostalgia, or curiosity to see what fits your brand.
• Reuse great stories. If a post performed well, find a new angle and share it again!

Create Engaging Content: Storytelling Is a Superpower

The hunt for great stories is officially open!

Your next piece of engaging content is hidden in an everyday moment—you just need to find the hook, craft the story, and bring it to life.

But here’s the thing: storytelling is a skill that gets better with practice.

You won’t truly know what resonates with your audience until you’ve created at least 100 pieces of content.

Experiment, test different angles, and pay attention to the response.

Over time, you’ll start to feel what people like, what they engage with, and what keeps them coming back for more.

But it’s not just about what you create—it’s about who you are.

The most powerful stories come from looking deeper into yourself and uncovering the values that truly define you.

Why?

Because people connect with what they have in common with you.

They need to see themselves in your experiences, struggles, and emotions.

When your content reflects your authentic values, it naturally resonates with others, making it more relatable and impactful.

And remember—every single day is a source of inspiration.

The things you see, hear, and experience are all potential stories waiting to be told.

So start creating, keep refining, and show up as your real self.

That’s how you create engaging content that truly matters.