A communication and interview-preparation principle. When asked to give an example or share an experience, lead with the principle the example demonstrates, then tell the story. The principle is what the listener will remember; the story is the evidence.

"The mistake is to just go right into the story. What you want to do is start with a principle, because the principle is going to give them a window into your approach, your thinking, better than anything else. Then you still tell the story. Even if the interviewer remembers nothing of my story, they can remember the principle I shared."

Example

Asked "tell me about a time you de-escalated an angry customer," lead with: "The principle I follow is, say what you're going to do, then do what you say. For example, I had a customer who…" The principle frames the story; the story proves you've lived the principle.

Start With the Principle, Then Tell the Story

Example

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