In a recent conversation with a learning leader from the medical domain, we were asked a question we hear often—just phrased more directly this time:

It’s a reasonable concern.

When your audience is deeply specialized—clinicians, scientists, engineers—it’s tempting to think a story needs to speak their exact language to matter.

Our answer was simple.

Storytelling principles don’t depend on domain expertise.
Relatability might.

And the two are not the same thing.

The stories that stay with us at work rarely do so because they came from our industry. They stay because they reflect something we’ve experienced.

Think of a manager who saw your potential before you did. A client issue that spiraled because it was everyone’s problem and no one’s. A perfect plan that broke down for the person trying to use it. That meeting where you chose silence over speaking your mind.

These moments show up everywhere — healthcare, SaaS, manufacturing, finance, non-profits. The nouns change but the emotions are the same.

That’s why a story about a billing error, a product rollout gone wrong, or a missed conversation can resonate across domains—if it lets the listener step into the shoes of the person living it.

When a story builds empathy, it travels.

So where does industry-specific detail help? 

It greases the wheels. It helps people nod faster. It makes the connection smoother. But it’s the cherry on top, not the cake.

When teams focus too much on finding the “perfect” industry example, one of two things happens:

The result is communication that is correct—but forgettable.

So maybe we’re asking the wrong question: “Is this story from my industry?“ A better question would be: Can my audience recognize themselves in this moment?”

Get that right, and your story will work—no matter where it came from.

Try this with the next story you plan to tell at work:

If you stripped away the industry-specific details, would the story still work?

Try it and reply to us with “Still works” / “Needs work!”

This single test will tell you more about your storytelling than any domain label ever will.

An example of a story that works across domains is Simon Sinek’s talk Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe.

It doesn’t rely on your job title or industry knowledge. It works because it names an experience most of us have had—and gives us a way to talk about it.

At Zebu, we’re starting something new in the year ahead — a small, warm community for people who want to practice the craft of storytelling together.

If you’d like to be part of it, or if you want a simple checklist to start a storytelling group of your own at work or with friends, reply to this email or click here.

Storytelling grows when it’s told.
Storytellers grow when they’re heard.