Photo Source: HBR Staff; Siri Stafford/ Jonathan Knowles/ visualspace/Tuomas A. Lehtinen/Getty Images

In today’s global marketplace, your innovation story needs to do more than just resonate—it needs to resonate everywhere. But how do you create a story that sticks whether you’re presenting in Paris, Paraguay, or Pasadena?

The key lies in finding universal themes that transcend cultural boundaries, while also respecting and incorporating local nuances. Start with the basics: human emotions and needs. Fear, hope, ambition—these are feelings that connect us all, no matter where we come from.

Next, adapt the details to fit the cultural context of your audience. This might mean tweaking the examples you use or adjusting the tone of your message. For instance, a story that inspires in New York might need a more collaborative angle in Tokyo.

Have You Ever Dealt With This?: Struggling to get your innovation message across to a diverse, global audience? You’re not alone. It’s a challenge many leaders face, but it’s one that can be overcome with the right approach to storytelling.

Pro Tip: When preparing to tell your story to a global audience, follow these steps to ensure it resonates across cultures:

  1. Identify Universal Themes: Start by focusing on emotions and values that are universally understood—such as perseverance, hope, or the desire for progress. These themes will help your story connect on a deeper level.
  2. Localize the Details: Research the specific cultural context of your audience. Incorporate local references, idioms, or examples that will make your story more relatable. This could mean using a local case study or adapting the language to suit cultural preferences.
  3. Involve Local Voices: Engage with local teams or cultural experts to get feedback on your story. They can offer valuable insights on how your message will be perceived and suggest adjustments to ensure it lands well.
  4. Test Your Story in Different Markets: Before rolling out your story globally, test it in a few different markets. Pay attention to how it’s received and be prepared to make tweaks based on the feedback.

By blending universal themes with localized details, you can craft a story that not only resonates but also inspires action across different cultures.