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From Vague to Memorable: A Better Way to Tell Your Story with Russell Van Brocklen

What makes a story stick?

In this episode of The Story Lab, Jonathan sits down with Russell Van Brocklen to explore why many stories fall flat and how the right words can transform the way we communicate.

Russell shares his remarkable journey from struggling with dyslexia and having a first-grade reading and writing level to developing a process that helps people think more clearly, communicate more effectively, and build stories that people actually remember.

Together, they walk through a practical storytelling exercise that helps you move from vague messaging to a clear, memorable narrative. By identifying the hero, narrowing in on the right action word, uncovering the real obstacle, and asking “why” until you reach the deeper truth, you can turn a simple idea into a powerful story.

If you’ve ever struggled to explain what you do, connect your work to your audience, or make your message stand out, this episode will give you a new way to approach storytelling.

In this episode we discuss

• Russell’s journey overcoming dyslexia and how it shaped his work
• Why vague language weakens your message
• How identifying the “hero” strengthens your story
• The importance of choosing the right action word
• How to uncover the real obstacle in your story
• Why asking “why” repeatedly helps reveal the deeper meaning behind your message
• A practical framework for building clearer and more memorable stories

Connect with Russell

Learn more or reach out at:
https://dyslexiaclasses.com

Russell offers a free 30-minute session if you want to explore how this storytelling process could apply to your work.

Enjoying The Story Lab?

If this episode gave you a fresh way to think about storytelling, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who could use help making their message more memorable.

Because the right story is often the difference between being heard and being remembered.

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