Talking to Humans: Go anonymous

“praise by name, criticize by category.”
Warren Buffett

Or to put it another way: Praise Specifically, Criticize Generally

Praise specifically, criticize generally. Don't respond to negativity. Say it as if to their face. Be original. Do not debate.
— Naval (@naval) August 17, 2016

When it comes to telling our personal stories to a group we’re working with, there are some situations where we can use this same principle to build rapport and decrease the distance.

A success story: Anonymise it

A tale of struggle or failure: Make it about us