When you tell a story, don’t do it to impress or pass the time. Do it to convey something noteworthy about yourself in a way that is enjoyable for the other person or people.

Who are you, and how do you fit into the world? Answer the questions through the details of the story — not the main arc of the story.

For example, if you went on a cool trip through Iceland, that’s one thing — but how did you handle it? What were you like during it? What was most important to you on the journey? You answer those questions in the details.

From Tynan’s book:

When someone’s getting to know you, and you want to become friends with them, choose a story where the details highlight your positive attributes. Don’t make stories up, don’t change them to be positive, just pick the stories that convey what you’re hoping to convey.

So for now, think of a story that conveys positive attributes … and think of how to tell it with the details that convey your positive attributes.

Now try telling it to someone.