How to Craft a Memorable Message: The 3-Part Story Framework That Works
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Have you ever walked out of a meeting, conference, or conversation and thought, “What was that even about?”
Chances are, the speaker didn’t leave you with anything memorable. No clear message. No emotional hook.
Just words that filled the air—and then evaporated.
Here’s the truth: in today’s noisy, fast-paced world, people don’t remember information.
They remember impact.
And impact comes from a message that’s crafted like a story.
I coach professionals, leaders, and executives every day who want to level up their communication—whether in the boardroom, on a stage, or in front of a camera. What I teach them is simple: your ideas don’t stick unless you build them like a story.
Let’s break down the 3-part story framework that consistently works to help you deliver a message that connects, resonates, and drives action.
Why Storytelling Isn’t Just for Speakers
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about being theatrical. You don’t need a dramatic background, a big personality, or a mic in your hand.
This is about leading through clarity and connection.
Whether you’re:
Pitching a new initiative to stakeholders
Leading a strategic meeting with your team
Presenting data to decision-makers
Speaking at a leadership summit
Or building your personal brand online
...you need your message to land. And storytelling is how it lands and lasts.
The good news? You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. There’s a timeless structure that’s worked for centuries—from Aristotle to TED Talks to the best communicators in today’s workplace. Let’s get into it.
The 3-Part Story Framework That Works
1. The Setup – Ground the Audience
The first part of your message should create context. Give your audience something they can immediately relate to—something real, simple, and human.
You’re not just “starting a presentation.” You’re opening a door.
“Three months ago, our department faced a challenge none of us saw coming.”
“I was sitting across the table from a client, and I knew immediately we were about to lose their trust.”
“We all know what it’s like to be overwhelmed by information and unclear about what matters most.”
Why this works: The setup invites people into a moment. It establishes trust, sets the tone, and signals: “This is worth listening to.”
Pro tip: Don’t start with a list of credentials or a data dump. Start with a relatable truth. You’re not trying to prove you’re smart—you’re trying to prove you understand.
2. The Shift – Build Tension or Discovery
Here’s where your message needs a turning point. Introduce the conflict, the challenge, or the key insight that drives the heart of what you’re saying.
“That day, I realized our metrics were strong—but our culture was fractured.”
“Despite our best efforts, we kept hearing the same feedback: ‘We’re unclear about the goal.’”
“I assumed data alone would tell the story. I was wrong. It needed a narrative.”
This is where the stakes rise. Something changes. A tension is introduced. An insight is revealed.
Why this works: This is the moment that makes your message sticky. It turns passive listeners into engaged participants. It gives them something to feel, not just something to understand.
Pro tip: Let your audience feel the friction. Don’t rush to fix it. Sit in the problem long enough for them to care.
3. The Solution – Deliver the Takeaway
Now you earn the right to share the lesson, the solution, or the recommendation. This is where your message becomes useful.
“We simplified our message into three words—and the entire strategy shifted.”
“Once we stopped trying to impress and started trying to connect, everything changed.”
“It wasn’t about adding more. It was about subtracting what didn’t matter.”
Why this works: We remember messages that make us feel and give us something we can do. A well-structured takeaway isn’t just a summary—it’s a gift. Something the audience can walk away with, repeat to others, and use immediately.
Pro tip: Make your takeaway simple, specific, and strategic. One clear idea is more powerful than five vague ones.
Bringing It All Together: A Real Example
Let’s imagine you're presenting a new initiative to your executive team. You could simply explain the details, timelines, and goals. But what if you applied the 3-part story framework?
Setup: “Six months ago, our customer satisfaction numbers dropped for the first time in two years. We didn’t panic, but we paid attention.”
Shift: “We ran the usual diagnostics—product quality, service times, support tickets. But what stood out most? Our customers didn’t feel heard. And that’s when we realized: we weren’t listening as well as we thought we were.”
Solution: “That insight became the spark for our new ‘Voice of the Customer’ initiative. And today, I want to walk you through how this approach is already changing the way we engage, respond, and build loyalty.”
Now, instead of launching into facts, you’ve built a compelling narrative. You’ve created an experience. You’ve made your message memorable.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
We live in an attention-starved world. Even the smartest ideas fall flat if they’re not delivered in a way that resonates.
Leaders who tell better stories lead stronger movements. Professionals who communicate clearly earn more influence. Speakers who connect emotionally are the ones we remember.
This isn’t about fluff. It’s about function. Storytelling is a strategy—one that every leader, executive, and high-impact communicator should have in their toolkit.
Next Steps: Apply This in Your Communication Today
You don’t need to be a professional speaker to benefit from this framework. You just need to start using it with intention.
Ask yourself before your next message:
What’s the setup that makes this relatable?
Where’s the shift that introduces tension or insight?
What’s the solution that leaves a lasting takeaway?
Start there. Keep it simple. And watch your communication transform.
Want Coaching to Build a Message That Lands?
If you’re ready to elevate your communication—whether in meetings, on stage, or in your leadership presence—I’d love to help.
At Rick Kutcher Consulting, I work with professionals and organizations to craft messages that get results, increase influence, and inspire trust.
Visit www.rickkutcherconsulting.com to learn more about 1:1 coaching, speaking strategy, and communication training.
Or DM me directly—I’d love to hear your story and help you tell it well.
