The way you tell a story is a key determinator of its impact.  The message is not necessarily derived soley from the details of the story and can be enhanced, even altered by how you tell it.

Facts can be molded to create an altered perception through slight of the tongue.  This works just like a magic trick or a con job, often what you say is not as powerful or important as how the information is delivered.

Some exaggerated Examples

This technique of achieving your goals through expert delivery of the message does require some descretion and light touch.  To demonstrate this point I will describe a situation in two ways, these will be exaggerated to make a point .  I would be more subtle in actual practice.

The situation

You left the window open during a thunder storm and the rain came into the house.

Story #1

Good news I left the window open while it was raining and your plants got some badly needed water.

Story # 2

I screwed up and left the window open during the thunderstorm and the inside of the house got soaked.  I am sorry.

And the point

The first story when told with sincerity and the right body language downplays the incident and could well result in a laugh.  The second story could cause result in some disappointment and even anger from the recipient.

Same circumstances, very different reaction from the audience based on how you tell the story.

Think about it next time you are conveying a message.  How you tell it can drive the reaction so some advance thought and planning can help you get the desired result.