Podcast Business News Network Platinum S1:E12012
Michelle Cutler, a seasoned storytelling coach and screenwriter, emphasizes the profound impact of storytelling on effective communication in various mediums. She outlines her role in helping people to uncover and hone their narratives through active listening and strategic questioning. Michelle draws on her innate skills, formal education, and extensive professional experience to present the nuances of storytelling, from understanding the audience and purpose to mastering tone, voice, and endings. Using personal stories as examples, like a poignant anecdote about a friend’s passing and its connection to certain songs, Michelle illustrates key points about being receptive to life’s signals. She also discusses the modern challenges and opportunities in communication brought by technology, advocating for messages to be refined with kindness, necessity, truth, and timeliness. Concluding with an offer for a free consultation, Michelle invites those looking to enhance their storytelling to connect with her, underscoring her commitment to nurturing the storyteller in everyone.
In a recent podcast conversation, Steve Harper sat down with Michelle Cutler, a seasoned screenwriter, storyteller, and communication expert, to discuss the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of authenticity in a world increasingly dominated by auto-generated content. Here are some key takeaways from their discussion:
Michelle began by reflecting on her own journey, which was anything but linear. “I was thinking about that,” she says, “and I think it really comes down to childhood.” Growing up, Michelle admits she wasn’t always the best student. She describes herself as an “ambivalent” student who was more interested in social dynamics than academics. For her, if a teacher was interesting, she got an A; if not, she got an F. “It took me about 10 years between graduating high school to graduating college,” she recalls. She traveled, worked, and tried different programs until she finally knew what she wanted: a Master’s degree in film.
But getting there wasn’t easy. The application process, particularly writing the personal statement, was a daunting hurdle. “I was having a meltdown,” Michelle confesses. Despite being a skilled tutor and teacher of personal essays, she struggled to craft her own story convincingly. It wasn’t until she sought help from a tutor at Hunter College that she realized the value of having someone to guide and support you through those critical moments.
Michelle’s career has spanned over 15 years as a screenwriter, with experience in advertising and writing around 1,500 commercials. Yet, she found herself increasingly drawn to working with people rather than brands. “I started to think, but I’m so much more interested in people than brands,” she reflects. This shift led her to focus on helping others tell their stories, whether in essays, blog posts, or even crafting the right content for their websites.
She discusses how daunting it was to create an “SEO of me” — finding the right words to make herself discoverable online while staying true to her authentic self. “It’s challenging,” she admits, “but in the end, it fully represents who I am and what I do.” This human touch, she argues, is essential in today’s content-saturated world. “I think people can really tell who’s there behind the words.”
Steve Harper wholeheartedly agrees with Michelle’s perspective on authenticity. He expresses concern over auto-generated AI content, stating, “There’s an energy that goes into the words, and the energy is felt by the person that reads it.” He and Michelle both believe that, despite technological advances, the impact of carefully chosen words remains unchanged. “Every word counts,” Steve emphasizes, especially in branding, media, and storytelling.
Michelle illustrates this point with a story about a podcast she listened to, where a funeral director shared her journey into the profession after experiencing two family deaths simultaneously. “That stood out to me much more than just hearing about funeral services,” she explains. “When I heard her story, I thought, ‘Oh, she would be amazing for my funeral,’ just because of this little shared nugget.”
For Michelle, storytelling is more than just words; it’s about creating memorable connections. “It’s like an offering,” she says. “It begins a dialogue and becomes memorable to whoever it is that you’re interacting with.”
Michelle touches on the unique challenges that entrepreneurs face when managing their own brand identity. “They don’t have a marketing department, a huge PR wing. There are so many tools out there now, but they’re also daunting or expensive,” she notes. The key, she believes, is to understand yourself and what you’re trying to tell people.
The conversation shifts to the idea of authenticity. “We’re talking authenticity,” Michelle says, to which Steve replies, “We should do a whole podcast on that.” They agree that being genuine in your communications is vital, whether you’re writing a personal essay or branding your business.
As the podcast draws to a close, Michelle shares how to get in touch with her. “You can contact me through my website, MichelleCutler.com,” she offers, reassuring listeners that she personally handles all communications and emphasizes confidentiality.
Steve wraps up by appreciating Michelle’s insights and energy, saying, “You’re like a breath of fresh air. This is stuff we need to do effectively.” He humorously asks if she ever got her water pressure back, a playful nod to an earlier conversation.
Michelle laughs, “No, it should come back,” showing that even in a discussion about storytelling, humor and relatability play a crucial role in engaging an audience.
This conversation serves as a powerful reminder that while technology continues to evolve, the heart of effective communication remains the same: authenticity, human connection, and the careful crafting of words that truly resonate. Whether you’re telling your personal story, building your brand, or just trying to connect with others, remember that every word matters. And sometimes, it’s the most unexpected stories that leave the most lasting impression.
To learn more about Michelle Cutler and her work, visit MichelleCutler.com.