Why Everyone Can (and Should) Be a Great Storyteller | Figma Blog (opens in new tab)

The article argues that storytelling and writing are not specialized talents reserved for professional writers; they are skills anyone can develop. Clear communication helps turn technical ideas, product plans, and design decisions into shared understanding and action. The difference between “good” and “bad” writers is largely practice, feedback, and willingness to revise—not innate ability.

Why Storytelling Matters at Work

• Strong products, designs, and ideas depend on people who can explain:
  • Why something should exist
  • Who it serves
  • How it improves people’s lives
• Writing helps teams bridge the gap between imagination and execution.
• At Figma, engineers write technical proposals, designers explain their decisions, and product managers create PRDs to align teams.
• Companies such as Microsoft and Slack also use writing to encourage deep thinking, clear communication, and buy-in.

Challenging the “Bad Writer” Myth

• Many people mistake their rough first drafts for the polished writing they read elsewhere.
• Every writer begins with imperfect work; improvement comes through:
  • Feedback
  • Editing
  • Deliberate practice
• Writing is described as organized thinking: putting ideas on paper can clarify problems and lead to better decisions.
• The ability to think clearly is a foundation for becoming a better writer.

Overcoming the Blank Page

• Speaking an idea aloud or explaining it to someone else can reveal a clearer, more natural structure.
• Reading widely—including books, magazines, product packaging, and online discussions—helps develop writing ability.
• Leslie Lamport’s observation captures the central lesson: without writing, people may only think they are thinking.

The practical recommendation is to treat writing as a learnable muscle: read often, write imperfect drafts, seek feedback, and use storytelling to make ideas understandable and actionable.