The real storytelling problem most speakers have is not “how do I tell a story?” but “where do I find one?”

In this episode of The Speaker Path® Podcast, Jo Jongsma invites story expert Francisco Mahfuz to break down what a story actually is (hint: not a string of events!), why “tell me a story” instantly freezes your brain, and how to use simple prompts like first / last / worst / best to surface stories you already have but don’t recognise as stories.

We look at why everyday frustrations, small imperfections, and throwaway kid quotes are often better material than dramatic Everest-style adventures – and how to start capturing those moments so you always have the right story for your next talk, pitch or TEDx-style talk.

You’ll learn:

What a story really is in a professional context: a real-life example that makes a point.
Why “tell me a story” creates instant performance anxiety, and what to ask yourself instead.
The biggest obstacle most speakers face: not telling stories, but finding them.
How to use the “First, Last, Worst, Best” method to uncover powerful origin stories and client stories.
Why the best speaking stories are usually pebbles in the shoe, not Mount Everest – small, relatable moments from everyday life.
How to turn annoyances, awkward interactions, and imperfections into highly relatable material.
The simple checklist for crafting a story that works
Why you must “find the story first” before worrying about structure, frameworks, or delivery.
A simple daily habit to build your story bank.

The Speaker Path® Podcast is produced by Clarity Up LLC, a boutique message design firm that teaches smart people how to explain their big ideas to the rest of us.

Connect with our experts:

• Ioana (Jo) Jongsma ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioana-jongsma/ )

• Francisco Mahfuz ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmahfuz/ )

🔗 Links

Work with Us: https://www.clarityupconsulting.com/

Join The SpeakerPath Community: https://thespeakerpath.com/