Specificity Sells: Why “Cigarette from a Soviet Stallion” Beats “We Hung Out”

Most people think storytelling is about what happened.
It’s not.
It’s about how you saw what happened.

That’s what makes stories stick.

The Specificity Trap

When people hear “be more specific,” they start piling on adjectives:

That’s not storytelling.
That’s a writing exercise.

Real specificity isn’t about more detail.
It’s about your detail — what you noticed and how you saw it.

The Power of Point-of-View Details

Two people, same story:

Generic:
“I met an attractive guy at an event.”

Specific:
“I met a tall Soviet stallion — red tracksuit, cigarette dangling, confidence like cologne.”

Same event.
Different impact.

The second version doesn’t just describe him.
It shows how she saw him — through the eyes of a lovestruck teenager.

When I coach executives on storytelling, I don’t say, “I help them communicate better.”
I say, “I watch senior leaders go from reading slides like grocery lists to making boardrooms lean forward.”

That’s the difference.
Your view of the world makes it yours.

Specificity as a Business Advantage

This isn’t just storytelling theory.
In business, the way you see things becomes your edge.
Being specific isn’t decoration — it’s evidence.

1. Specificity Builds Credibility

Generic: “We’re customer-obsessed.”
Specific: “When a client’s server crashed at 2 a.m., our engineer took the call from his kid’s birthday party.”

The first sounds like branding.
The second sounds like leadership.

2. Specificity Makes Data Stick

Most slides get lost in vague statements.
Your audience remembers moments, not numbers.

Generic: “Our customer satisfaction score rose significantly.”
Specific: “Six months ago, one in five customers had to call twice to fix an issue. Today, nine out of ten get it solved on the first try.”

That’s how you make data real.

3. Specificity Shows Clear Thinking

Generic: “The market’s changing.”
Specific: “Three of our top five competitors launched AI features this quarter.”

Specific facts show that you’ve done the homework.

4. Specificity Reveals Leadership Voice

Generic: “Our team communicates better now.”
Specific: “Last year, meetings were so quiet you could hear people typing.
Now, we argue — respectfully — because silence was costing us ideas.”

Details show how you lead, not just that you lead.

The Takeaway

Don’t just paint the picture.
Paint it from your easel.

Whether you’re on stage, in a meeting, or pitching your boss —
specificity turns your story into proof.

P.S.

Want to turn everyday work moments into stories that move people?
Join my next Seed to Stage storytelling intensive — where you’ll learn the tools performers use to make audiences feel.

Join the waitlist →

Forward to a Friend

Know someone who speaks in bullet points instead of stories?
Forward this. They’ll thank you later.

This is Part 4 of my “Anatomy of a Winning Story” series — where I break down what makes stories unforgettable: from stakes and structure to likeability and specificity.

Next month: Relatability — why the best stories feel both familiar and surprising.

A Special Invitation for Behind the Slam Readers

If you’ve ever wanted to practice the things we talk about here—confidence, collaboration, and staying grounded under pressure—this is your chance.

Two of New York City’s top improv coaches are flying into Singapore for a one-day Grace Under Fire experience on Saturday, Nov 15, offering two half-day applied-improv workshops you can mix and match.

A Special Invitation for Behind the Slam Readers

If you’ve ever wanted to practice the things we talk about here—confidence, collaboration, and staying grounded under pressure—this is your chance.

Two of New York City’s top improv coaches are flying into Singapore for a one-day Grace Under Fire experience on Saturday, Nov 15, offering two half-day applied-improv workshops you can mix and match.

Morning Session (10 AM – 1 PM)
Hannah Chase – Communication & Collaboration Under Pressure
Sharpen your listening, adaptability, and trust—the muscles that make great teams and storytellers.

💫 Join the Morning Lab →
(Save $100 for the first 5 to sign up)

Afternoon Session (2 PM – 5 PM)
Rick Andrews – Confidence & Status Play
Learn how to hold space, project presence, and navigate power dynamics with authenticity.

🔥 Join the Afternoon Lab →
(Save $100 for the first 5 to sign up)

Each workshop stands alone—join either, or both for a full day of play, practice, and powerful learning.

Exclusive Offer for Behind the Slam Readers:

• 🎟 First 5 to sign up get $100 off (per workshop).

• 💸 After that, use code WYSH50 for $50 off each workshop.

This isn’t acting.
It’s communication conditioning—through play.

PS: These are small-group, high-energy sessions led by world-class coaches. If you’ve ever frozen mid-meeting or wished you could think faster on your feet—this is your lab.