Kill Your Darlings for Better Stories

Nonprofits often overload their audience with too much information, losing the key message in the process. Effective storytelling requires discipline and a willingness to edit heavily.

The best stories deliver what’s essential and not more. Explore our guide on how to refine your narrative—whether it’s text, charts, or graphics—to connect more powerfully with your audience. As William Faulkner advised, sometimes you have to 'kill your darlings' to tell your story clearly.

Special thanks to Jessica Leving Siegel, MBA of Sing Creative Group for the conversation that inspired this post.

Love this graphic? Download the file here (LINK).