The Storyteller's Mission: Maximize Emotion, Maximize Impact
- Shawn Maus
- Feb 17
- 2 min read
I recently had a job interview. The interviewer asked, "What does story mean to you?"
I blanked.
Yes, I blanked.
For someone who tells stories for a living, I didn't have an answer.
It could have been the pressure of the interview. After all, being unemployed for four months adds pressure to writer's block.
So, like a good stand-up comedian and storyteller, I made one up.
I can't tell you what it was because I panicked and don't remember.
So, I did a deep dive into how to answer that question effectively. Not for future interviews. For myself. I needed to know deep down in my soul what story really means to me.

The sound byte I've decided on: "The goal of any storyteller is to elicit emotion."
"The goal of any storyteller is to elicit emotion."
At its core, storytelling isn't just about isn't on a page or scenes on a screen—it's about emotion. Your goal as a storyteller isn't just to inform, entertain, or persuade. It's to maximize the positive emotional experience for your audience.
Because when people feel, they remember.
When they connect, they engage.
When they care, they take action.
Great storytelling isn't about flashy prose or perfect structure—it's about creating moments that resonate that stick with your audience long after the story ends.
Whether you're writing copy, crafting a screenplay, or developing a brand narrative, ask yourself:
👉 What emotion do I want my audience to feel?
👉 How can I heighten that emotion to make it unforgettable?
Maximize emotion, and you maximize impact. That's the real power of storytelling.
💡 What's a story that left an emotional mark on you? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️
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