The SUPERB storytelling model is a six-step framework for crafting compelling stories, especially useful in leadership, coaching, or persuasive communication. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step:

🔶 1. Shared Experiences

Goal: Build immediate rapport and trust by showing common ground with your audience.

How: Start with a relatable situation, feeling, or challenge.

Example: “Like many of you, I’ve felt overwhelmed starting a new job…”

🔶 2. Ultimate Triumph

Goal: Provide a glimpse of hope or success at the end of the tunnel.

How: Briefly hint at the final success/outcome so people stay invested.

Example: “But what happened next completely changed the direction of my life…”

🔶 3. Problem Definition

Goal: Clearly define the real issue or conflict.

How: Describe the challenge in emotional or tangible terms.

Example: “I kept hitting a wall—I felt like no matter how hard I tried, I wasn’t making progress.”

🔶 4. Explore Options and Objections

Goal: Show the choices you considered and the internal/external objections you faced.

How: Describe alternative paths, wrong turns, or what held you back.

Example: “I thought about quitting. Some friends said I was wasting my time.”

🔶 5. Real

Goal: Be authentic, vulnerable, and emotionally honest.

How: Share your real doubts, mistakes, and lessons learned.

Example: “Honestly, I was scared. I didn’t think I was good enough.”

🔶 6. Best of Both Worlds

Goal: End with a resolution that delivers both emotional payoff and practical insight.

How: Tie back to the opening, showing growth or a win-win result.

Example: “Now, not only do I have the job I dreamed of, I also help others find their way too.”

Here’s a realistic example of a story using the SUPERB storytelling model

Let’s say it’s told by a manager who overcame burnout and found balance.

🟠 Shared Experiences

“Have you ever worked so hard that even weekends didn’t feel like a break? I used to pride myself on always being available — first one in, last one out.”

🟢 Ultimate Triumph

“But the truth is, what finally saved me wasn’t pushing harder. It was learning to pause. And that decision didn’t just make me a better manager — it saved my health.”

🔴 Problem Definition

“A few years ago, I hit a breaking point. I was constantly tired, snapping at my team, and my family barely saw me. I wasn’t leading — I was just reacting.”

🔵 Explore Options and Objections

“I thought about taking a break, but my inner voice said, ‘You can’t stop. You’ll fall behind. People will think you’re weak.’ I tried delegating more, but I didn’t trust others to do it ‘right.’ I felt trapped between success and sanity.”

⚫ Real

“One evening I came home and my daughter asked, ‘Why are you always angry now?’ That crushed me. I realized I wasn’t just burning out — I was burning bridges.”

🟣 Best of Both Worlds

“That night, I committed to change. I set boundaries, took time off, and started coaching my team instead of micromanaging. Not only did the team grow stronger — I did too. I still work hard, but now I work smart. And my daughter? She sees me smile again.”