Teach Don't Tell

If you want your content to be high-impact, follow this rule: every piece of content should teach someone something they can apply immediately.


Most content falls flat because it’s too surface-level. It states an opinion but doesn’t show people how to take action.

If you want your content to be high-impact, follow this rule: every piece of content should teach someone something they can apply immediately.

Here’s how to do it:

1)
Clarify the Outcome – Before you create anything, ask yourself: What should someone be able to do after reading/watching this? If the answer isn’t clear, your content isn’t focused enough.

2)
Make It Tactical – Don’t just explain an idea; break it down step by step. If you’re sharing a framework, give a real-world example of how to use it. If you’re writing about a strategy, provide a checklist or template.

3)
Tell People What NOT to Do – Mistakes and pitfalls are just as valuable as best practices. Include examples of where people go wrong so they can avoid wasting time.

4)
Deliver the “How” in Multiple Ways – People learn differently. Some prefer text, others like video or visual breakdowns. Repurpose key insights into different formats to maximize impact.

5)
Engage the Community – Invite people to share their takeaways, experiences, or questions in the comments. The best content doesn’t just educate—it sparks discussion.

Audit your last 5 LinkedIn posts, emails, or Slack messages. Were they teaching, or just talking? If they weren’t showing people how to take action, it’s time to level up.

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