How do I talk about my experience without rambling?
Ever start telling a career story—and halfway through, wonder where you’re going with it?
You’re not alone. Rambling usually comes from trying to prove our value by saying everything, when what really sticks is saying the right things clearly.
It tends to happen most when we’re speaking to an unfamiliar audience or when we haven’t taken time to clarify our message or goals. In interviews and networking conversations, those scenarios come up a lot. Thankfully, there are proven frameworks that can help.
Enter: The STAR Method
The STAR method is a classic storytelling tool that helps you highlight your role and impact with focus and clarity. It stands for:
Situation – What was going on?
Task – What needed to be done?
Action – What did you do?
Result – What happened as a result?
It’s a simple way to create a clean story arc—one that helps the listener see how you made a difference. When done well, it also reinforces your professional identity and what you’re great at.
But What About Confidence?
Confidence comes from preparation, not perfection.
Start by thinking about 2–3 stories you could use to answer common “Tell me about a time when…” questions. Map them out using the STAR method, and then practice saying them out loud. If you can, run them by a friend or mentor to make sure your message is landing.
Each time you say the story out loud, you get clearer—and you sound more natural. That’s what builds storytelling confidence.
Remember: You’re Not Summarizing Your Whole Career
You’re not trying to cover everything. You’re helping them see the best parts—the ones that matter for the opportunity in front of you.
Just a few go-to stories can be enough to help you shine in interviews, coffee chats, and networking moments without getting lost in the details.
Need Help Getting Started?
Inside the Career Clarity Packet, you’ll find a STAR Story Builder Worksheet to help you:
Identify strong stories from your experience
Structure them clearly using the STAR method
Practice them so they feel natural and confident
These aren’t just great for interviews—they’re helpful for networking, elevator pitches, and even performance reviews.
