Clarity without context is just noise with better formatting.

10 years ago, I led a strategy presentation that got applause in the room.
Two weeks later? Not a single recommendation was implemented.
Two months later? Still nothing.

I asked my regional lead what happened.
She gave me feedback that stung (and would’ve been a lot more useful before the meeting):

“You were clear. You were polished. But I still don’t know why any of this matters.”

I laughed. Then I realized she wasn’t joking.

I hadn’t learned one of the most important lessons in influence and storytelling:
Clarity without context is just noise with better formatting.

We spend hours perfecting strategy decks and maybe 30 seconds, if that, on why anyone should really care… the whole “what’s in it for me” part.
Then we act surprised when nothing sticks.

Since then, I’ve made one line non-negotiable in every message I deliver: “Here’s why this matters…”

The catch: it has to matter to them, not to me.

That takes real thought. Real empathy. Real time spent in their world before I ever open my deck.

It’s not like every recommendation gets implemented now. But a lot more of them do.

Because in the end, you’re not just delivering information. You’re helping people care enough to act.

That’s the job.