It seems like posting your GM Merit Badges is catching on. I doubt it will make much difference for me, since I very rarely bring new people into my games... but I guess it's worth exploring and sharing, even if only for the mental exercise.
Story
Combat is more fun when there is something more at stake than just winning or losing. Even if the story is just, "We're a group of traveling mercenaries and we want to make a fortune," that loose framework is what defines the game and makes the combat meaningful. That said, I have to admit that the story is usually secondary to the actual challenges of the game: exploration, combat, traps, etc. Improvisational theater has its place, but it is not in my game room. My GMing style is almost strictly 3rd person, so I rarely ever take on the voice of a character and I don't expect my players to either. "She threatens to burn down the whole village if you don't comply," is a lot more common at my game table than talking in funny voices. Also, see "Tactics."

Combat is more fun when there is something more at stake than just winning or losing. Even if the story is just, "We're a group of traveling mercenaries and we want to make a fortune," that loose framework is what defines the game and makes the combat meaningful. That said, I have to admit that the story is usually secondary to the actual challenges of the game: exploration, combat, traps, etc. Improvisational theater has its place, but it is not in my game room. My GMing style is almost strictly 3rd person, so I rarely ever take on the voice of a character and I don't expect my players to either. "She threatens to burn down the whole village if you don't comply," is a lot more common at my game table than talking in funny voices. Also, see "Tactics."