Storytelling tips

These are questions to ask yourself in order to dig deeper into your story, as you think through what you  want to share. It is by no means mandatory for you to answer these questions directly in your story.  However, as you read through them, you may notice your perspective shift and lead to an opening in  understanding. 

 

Catch our attention 

Start with a description, a dialogue, or something that will provide context and catch our attention from  the beginning. 

• Describe what was happening. Where and when did your experience take place
• Help us imagine the situation or disruption you were facing 
• Tell us who you were and how you felt 
• Where were you at mentally, physically or emotionally 

20% of your story 

 

The changing point 

Describe the moment and circumstances that led you to see things differently. 

• How did you turn your challenges into an opportunity to transform and grow?
• From where or from whom did you find guidance? 
• What was the most eye-opening moment for you? 
• Did you have any revelations? What were they? 
• How did your perspective change? 
• Did you re-evaluate your values or discover new values? 
• Did you discover behaviors that did not serve you? Are these repetitive? 
• How did you shift your behaviors to be more in line with your values? 
• What motivated you to start taking response-ability of your thoughts and actions?
• What were the specific techniques or tools that helped you? How did you use? 

50% of your story

 

Lessons learned 

Explain how your experience brought about constructive change in your life. Gift the reader with some  uplifting closing words 

• Who are you now, who have you become? 
• How do you feel now and having discovered your inner hero? 
• What did you learn about yourself? 
• How have you transformed your thoughts and behaviors? 
• What new behaviors and values are you committed to now? 
• What’s the biggest change you made in your life? 
• What would you have liked to know when you started your journey that would have helped you?
  If you were to create a manual for others on “how to manage fill-in-the-blank adversity,” what  would you include.

30% of your story

 

Values 

We encourage your story to be uplifting and positive to inspire and give hope to others experiencing  similar disruptions. Please keep in mind our values as you write. 

• SERENDIPITY allows us to turn the situations in our lives into opportunities. 
• TRUST is the lends through which we tell our stories 
• RESPECT is our shared commitment to honor one another and our experiences POSITIVITY is an agreement to life one another up with constructive and positive feedback
• OPEN MINDED attitudes allow us to seek different perspectives and see the world differently,  learning from each other 
• INSPIRATIONAL is an intention to inspire others, especially those at the start of their journeys who  may need extra encouragement. 
• We commend you for your strength and generosity in wanting to be vulnerable and share your story with  others. You will provide them with the guidance and inspiration they seek.

 

Love, 

Jessica