Three tips for a compelling story

There are corporate stories that are alike as two peas in a pod. There are presentations that had better not been given. There are commercials that yell at us but do not seduce. There are speeches that nobody will remember, written for and read aloud by CEO's and political leaders. There are blogs written that are abandoned after the first line. There is 'content' on websites that is as interesting as sawdust. There are storytellers telling stories that only they themselves find interesting ... They all have one thing in common.

They don't have an authentic and inspiring story. They all have intentions, maybe even good ones, but perhaps they were too idle and too superficial. And sometimes there is just ordinary copying. It leads to meaningless and senseless communication. If you want to persuade, to inspire or to motivate others, better ask yourself three questions first.
Since Socrates we know that ' why ' always leads to insights. And sometimes to a captivating and inspiring story:

A man visited the humble home of Socrates. "Listen", he said, "I have to tell you something..." "Hold on" said the philosopher, "Why do you want to tell it in the first place? Did you sift your story through the three sieves first?"
"Three sieves?" The man looked puzzled.
"Yes, my good man. First let me see that the story you want to tell, can pass the three sieves: the first is the sieve of truth. Are you sure that your story is credible?"
"O, eh, well, I've been told and..."
"I see... But then, surely you have sifted it through the second sieve: the sieve of value. Is what you want to tell of value?"
The other faltered: "Well, no, on the contrary..."
"Hmm...", interrupted Socrates again, "Let us have a look at the third sieve: the sieve of necessity. Is it necessary that I should listen to your story?"
"Well, necessary... it's not really necessary..."
"So", Socrates smiled politely, "If it isn't true, if it has no real value and if it isn't necessary to tell, keep it to yourself and don't burden yourself or me with it."

Is it true?
Does it have value?
Is it necessary?

Something to take note of, whether you're a marketeer, brand manager, CEO, politician or storyteller. It can't be said clearer. There is nothing wrong with recycling of meaningful stories, we can still learn from them. And thanks to Socrates in an inspiring way.
And it's the proof of the sustainability and value of a good story.