top of page
Search

The Story Every Leader Needs to Learn to Tell Well. Coming in 2026

Updated: Jun 5

S&L Newsletter 29 December 2025

Hello LEANN community,

2026 is here!!! And it’s a chance to lead with more clarity, more courage and a story people can actually follow. Not a perfect story. A true one, told well.

Here are a few practical storytelling reminders you can take into January 2026, plus a small preview of what is coming next.

Coming in 2026. Mimi’s monthly masterclass series

In 2026, Mimi Kalinda will be running a online masterclass series on one essential theme.

“The story that every leader needs to learn to tell well.”

Each month will unpack a different part of that larger story, with fresh prompts, live learning and practical application. If you have been wanting a simple structure you can use in real leadership moments. Meetings, pitches, change, culture, conflict, growth. This is for you.

What to do now: Keep an eye on the S&L socials and website. As soon as registration opens, you will be able to sign up on www.storytellingandleadership.com

Going into 2026

Tip 1. How to be a better storyteller in 2026

If you want your story to land, start here. This is a simple stack you can use before any talk, post, presentation or conversation.

  1. Think about the goal of your story What do you want people to think, feel or do when you are done?

  2. Know your audience What are they worried about. What do they need. What do they already believe?

  3. Incorporate personal details Not oversharing. Just enough specificity to make it real.

  4. Beware of your body language Your presence is part of the story. Slow down. Breathe. Land your points.

  5. Practice and ask for feedback Rehearse the first minute. Then ask someone, “What did you hear?”

  6. Be clear and concise Clarity is kindness. If it takes you five minutes to get to the point, rewrite.

Try this in week one of January. Pick one story you often tell. Tighten it using the six points above.

Tip 2. Storytelling in presentations

If you present in 2026, remember this. Great presentations start with content, then deliver it with feeling, then anchor it visually.

  • Start with content Use life as inspiration. Tell a story of a problem. Compare opposites.

  • Bring emotion, present it with passion The more emotional a story, the more it stays with you. Emotion creates memory.

  • Use images wisely A wisely chosen picture can be more memorable to your audience than a paragraph of explanation.

A simple challenge for your next presentation. Replace one bullet heavy slide with one clear image and one sentence that sets the scene.

Your turn. What is your storytelling goal for 2026?

If you want to make this year different, make it simple but significant .

Reply to this newsletter or share with us on social, with one sentence: In 2026, I want to tell stories that help me… ______. Examples: lead change with less resistance, pitch with more confidence, inspire my team, build trust faster, communicate vision clearly.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page