How to Spot—and Fix—Your Storytelling Blind Spots

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Why This Matters

Every storyteller—no matter how seasoned—has blind spots. When we’re too close to the message, we can’t always see what’s missing. And if your audience isn’t reacting the way you hoped? That’s a red flag worth investigating.

The Problem

You’ve worked hard on the story. But it’s falling flat. You’re getting confusion instead of clicks. Silence instead of shares. That doesn’t mean your story is broken—but something’s not landing.

The Psychology Behind It

According to Chip and Dan Heath, authors of "Made to Stick," we fall prey to the "curse of knowledge"—once we know something well, we assume our audience does too. It creates a disconnect between what we’re saying and what people are actually hearing (Heath & Heath, 2007).

In the Real-World

Before Airbnb became a global success, its early messaging focused on “affordable lodging.” But what resonated most with users wasn’t price—it was the feeling of belonging. Once they shifted their message to "Belong Anywhere," engagement took off. Their blind spot? They were selling beds. Their audience wanted community.

How to Spot Your Blind Spots

1. Check for Confusion: If people ask questions you thought you answered, your message isn’t as clear as you think.
2. Get an Outside Read: Ask someone unfamiliar with your brand to summarize your message. If they miss the mark, so will your audience.
3. Use A/B Testing: Try different versions of your story on smaller audiences. See what resonates and revise accordingly.

What to Do About It

1. Refine your core message into one clear sentence.
2. Strip jargon and insider language.
3. Replace assumption with explanation.

The Bottom Line

The best stories are tested, tweaked, and tightened over time. Spotting your blind spots doesn’t mean your story failed—it means you’re doing the work to make it stronger.

Need an extra set of eyes on your message? Book a story audit with Scout Stories. We’ll help you turn confusion into connection.