Philipp Humm on Storytelling Frameworks, Player Resistance, and Behavior Change

Jan 30, 2026

Philipp Humm, storytelling and communication expert and three-time bestselling author, shares practical tools for making messages stick. He breaks down the P.A.S.T. framework and when stories beat direct instruction. Short, structured storytelling, vulnerability, and improv practice help leaders cut through resistance, build trust, and create clear, one-action takeaways.

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ADVICE

Prove Values With One Concrete Story

Use stories to communicate values by telling a specific incident that proves the value in action.
Stories make values memorable; broad statements alone rarely stick.

ADVICE

Tell Stories Only When You Need To Persuade

Reserve stories for moments when you need lasting change or anticipate resistance; otherwise stay concise.
Use direct commands most of the time and switch to story when persuasion is required.

ADVICE

Lead With Structure And One Clear Takeaway

Lead with structure: state upfront how many points you have (one, two, or three) and keep takeaways minimal.
Aim for one clear action to maximize retention and behavior change.

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In this episode of Slappin' Glass, we’re joined by storytelling and communication expert Philipp Humm for a deep, practical conversation on how coaches can communicate more clearly, persuasively, and memorably—especially under pressure.

Philip breaks down why how you communicate often matters more than what you say, and why stories—when used intentionally—can cut through resistance, build trust, and create lasting behavioral change. He introduces his simple but powerful P.A.S.T. framework (Place, Action, Speech, Thoughts), giving coaches a repeatable structure for telling stories that actually stick rather than drifting into vague summaries or over-contextualized explanations.

The conversation explores when storytelling is the right tool (and when it isn’t), how elite leaders stay concise without losing emotional impact, and why vulnerability—not polish—is the engine of connection. Philip also shares why great communicators think in frameworks, limit takeaways to one clear action, and start with structure rather than circling toward a point.

We then put theory into practice with live improv exercises, showing how improvisation builds communication confidence and clarity in time-compressed moments like timeouts and huddles. The episode closes with a thoughtful Start–Sub–Sit on locker-room culture tools (quotes, visuals, and physical objects), plus Philip’s best investment in his own career—and why movement, presence, and emotional regulation matter for leaders navigating constant pressure.

This is a must-listen for coaches looking to sharpen their communication edge, strengthen buy-in, and lead with greater clarity and intention beyond the Xs and Os.

What You’ll Learn

How to use the P.A.S.T. storytelling framework to make messages vivid, emotional, and memorable
When storytelling creates more impact than direct instruction—and when it doesn’t
Why elite communicators lead with structure, simplicity, and one clear takeaway
How vulnerability and emotional honesty increase trust and retention
Practical improv techniques to improve clarity and confidence under pressure
The role of physical objects, visuals, and stories in reinforcing culture (and why quotes often fall flat)

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