Written by: Vickie Sullivan  |  August 18, 2026

How to Get People to Pay Attention to Your Ideas

Have you ever shared a great new idea only to watch people’s eyes glaze over as you explain it? The problem might not be the idea. It might be how you present it.

I came across a MarketingProfs article recently that tackles this problem. It makes a compelling case for going beyond standard formats in storytelling. But I found another lesson hiding within it: It’s also a masterclass in how to explain new ideas in the age of short attention spans.

Let’s look beyond the great ideas in the article and focus on how the authors present them. They use two tactics that you can use when you want to explain new ideas:

• Keep it short and structured. Check out the subheads under each recommendation. Dividing your recommendations into short, repeatable chunks makes them easy to skim, understand, and share. Notice how short the sections are; each is no more than three or four lines.

• Make it practical. My favorite section is the “how to apply it.” The examples were helpful but general. The authors add extra value by providing specific ideas for using the story structure. Examples provide inspiration. Application gives direction.

In a world where most of us have the attention span of a toddler, it isn’t easy to explain new ideas (much less advocate for them). The easier you make your ideas to understand and apply, the more likely people are to stop, pay attention, and act on them.

Now Read This:

• Why Using Storytelling in Leadership Is a Competitive Advantage
• Brand and Message Strategy for Thought Leaders

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