Tales for Difficult Conversations
November 2025: The Emperor's New Clothes
Theme: Courage in Times of Deception
A practical companion to The Storyteller’s Compass
We’re living through a moment when distinguishing truth from performance has become an essential skill. Whether it’s recognising when workplace assurances don’t match reality, noticing when political promises ring hollow, or understanding when someone close to us is presenting a false version of themselves, we need the courage to see clearly and speak truthfully.
This month’s tale is about collective delusion and the courage required to break it. It’s a story for those moments when everyone seems to agree about something, but you have doubts. When the social pressure to pretend is overwhelming. When being the first to name what’s obvious feels impossibly risky.
This isn’t a retelling for children. It’s the tale told for adults who need to hear it now, complete with practical guidance for using it in your own difficult conversations.
What’s included in this guide:
The story itself, told as I would share it with someone who needs to hear it
Why this story works, drawing on my Story Archaeologist methodology to show what makes this tale effective for moments of collective delusion
When to share it, with specific situations, contexts, and timing guidance
How to share it, practical delivery advice for intimate settings, professional contexts, and group conversations
Conversation openings the tale naturally enables, including questions for self-reflection, workplace discussions, and navigating power dynamics
The Buddhist perspective, connecting teachings on Right View and Right Speech to the tale’s wisdom
Working with this tale in your own life, reflection questions for when you’re the courtier, the emperor, or the child
This complete practical guide is available exclusively to paid subscribers.
Why I Created This Series
For years, people have asked me: “How do I actually use these stories? When do I tell them? What do I say afterwards?”
This monthly series answers those questions. Each guide takes one carefully selected tale and gives you everything you need to share it skilfully and use it as a gateway to deeper dialogue, whether you’re a therapist, teacher, manager, prison chaplain, parent, or simply someone navigating difficult conversations.
As a storyteller and Buddhist prison chaplain, I’ve learned that ancient stories often reach people in ways modern psychology cannot. These tales speak to our life experiences.
Upcoming tales:
December 2025: The Wolf and the Seven Little Goats (recognising sophisticated deception)
January 2026: The False King (accountability and structural change)
February 2026: Kisa Gotami and the Mustard Seeds (navigating grief)
Each month, one tale with complete practical guidance for using it in your own work and life.
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