When asked to create an ad about Ramp's cutting-edge development team, the speaker ignored abstract concepts like "sprint cycles." Instead, he told the story of a uniquely brilliant developer named Calvin. This approach makes technical superiority relatable and memorable by focusing on a real person, not an impersonal process or feature.
Instead of stating that customer retention improved from 80% to 95%, tell the story behind it. Explain the problem, the specific actions taken by a cross-functional team, and the resulting outcome. This narrative makes the numbers credible and memorable.
To stand out from infinite content, communications must be attached to a human figure, delivered with absolute conviction, and framed within a larger narrative arc. These elements appeal to human psychology, giving audiences a character to root for and a story to follow, which generic content cannot replicate.
As AI automates content creation, the ultimate differentiator becomes authentic human connection. This means prioritizing "reading the room," sharing personal stories, and even being inefficient to foster genuine relationships. While AI optimizes for output, marketers who optimize for humanity will build more resilient brands.
Instead of comparing to competitors, compare your product to the ideal human interaction. Google Meet aimed to be like a real conversation, not just better than Zoom. This 'humanization' framework pushes teams to think beyond features and focus on a more intuitive, emotionally resonant experience.
To replace a technical expert in a sales process, an AI's value isn't just its data. It should be prompted to explain concepts through storytelling, visualizations, and 'future scaping.' This shifts the AI from a mere information-dispenser to a persuasive communicator that resonates with a buyer's emotions.
Instead of claiming to save "billions of hours," financial software company Ramp illustrates its value by showing how a single $5 cup of coffee actually costs 13 minutes in administrative waste. Starting with a small, relatable scenario makes a large, abstract benefit feel concrete and significant, as it's easier to make something small feel big than the other way around.
To keep non-technical stakeholders engaged, don't show code or API responses. Instead, have team members role-play a customer scenario (e.g., a customer service call) to demonstrate the 'before' and 'after' impact of a new platform service. This makes abstract technical progress tangible and exciting.
Don't assume even sophisticated buyers understand your unique technical advantage, like a "fuzzy logic algorithm." Your marketing must translate that unique feature into a tangible business value they comprehend. Your job is not to be an order-taker for their feature checklist, but to educate them on why your unique approach is superior.
As audiences push back against AI-generated and overly polished stock imagery, featuring real people in authentic situations will be critical for engagement. Showcasing your team, customers, or volunteers in natural settings—not on a green screen—builds trust and connection, making genuine humanity the key to cutting through the noise.
While many acknowledge storytelling's importance, few master its application. The ability to frame what your product does within a compelling story is a macro-level skill that makes abstract concepts understandable and memorable. It is the practical vehicle for explaining things clearly and avoiding customer disengagement.