5 Ways to Tell Your Story Like a Pro (Even If You Think You're Not a Writer)
Is it time to tell your story? Whether it’s a personal experience, a difficult time we’ve overcome, or the lessons learned from a career change, sharing our stories can be a powerful tool for connection.
But if you’re someone who feels like they aren’t a “good storyteller,” don’t worry—you’re in good company! Telling your story, even if you’ve never written one before, doesn’t have to be intimidating.
Let me share with you the secrets of the great storytellers. Continue reading to gain the storytelling skills you need to share your unique journey like a pro!
Why Share Your Story?
I get it—you might feel like your story isn’t worth telling. But that’s just self-doubt! Sharing your personal story is one of the most powerful ways to connect with others, especially for small business owners or anyone wanting to make an impact.
A well-crafted personal narrative can create deep connections, attract potential customers, and inspire others facing similar challenges. Whether it’s about your career, family, or personal experiences, you have something meaningful to share.
So, why tell your story? As a great storyteller, you can:
- Inspire others who are going through a hard time.
- Build strong connections with your audience (whether on social media, in a blog post, or during job interviews).
- Help others learn from your journey—whether it’s about overcoming a major struggle or celebrating a small victory.
Do You Find it Difficult to Tell Your Story?
You’re not alone. Not at all.
In fact, many people find it hard to share their personal stories, even when they know there’s something valuable to say. If you’re like most people, you’ve felt the pull to tell your story but then quickly get stuck with questions like:
“Where do I even start?”
“What is my story anyway?”
“Do I have a story worth telling?”
“Why would anyone want to read my story?”
These are completely normal thoughts, and they usually come from feelings of insecurity or imposter syndrome. Don’t worry– I’m here to show you how to bring it to life!
And yes– I’ve been right where you are. I didn’t think I had a story to tell, but I was told otherwise. So, I started with some brainstorming, and not long after, I found myself deep in the complex and inspiring story that was my career journey! Who knew?
If you’re writing your story for the first time, I encourage you to take a look at mine, Sprinkle it with Sunshine, for some guidance and inspiration!
First, Let's Brainstorm!
Before diving into the details, let’s brainstorm your story! It may feel messy at first—sometimes, you need to make a mess before creating something amazing. Just jot down your ideas using bullet points or a loose format, and we’ll refine it later.
This is your jumping-off point. Trust the process—your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect. The more you explore your own experiences, the clearer your personal narrative will become.
Here’s a simple way to break it down in chronological order:
Your Story Background
Where does your story begin? Is it a pivotal moment in your childhood? Or maybe it’s the career change that led you down a new path.
Think of it as the beginning before the beginning. This is your chance to share who you were before the main event happened. You might be surprised at how these early moments shape the real-life part of your story.
The Rising Action
Now, let’s build some momentum! The rising action is where the challenges, struggles, conflicts, “ah-ha” moments happen, and other important parts. These plot points will gradually lead to the key event or discovery in your story—whether that’s a moment of inspiration or a major turning point in your life.
“The most engaging stories are ones that reveal the inner struggle of the character. What does the protagonist want, and what is standing in their way?”
– Emma Coats, Pixar Storytelling Principles
When Things Started to Change
Here’s where the real transformation happens. It’s that moment when your life or career begins shifting, maybe because of a hard time or a new opportunity. Describe how things started to change for you—what sparked that shift?
The Main Event
Every great story has a climax. The main event is the intense part of your story where everything comes together—maybe it’s the moment you overcame a major struggle or the day you decided to take that first step toward your own story. This is where the action peaks!
Pro Tip: Nothing is set in stone yet! It may be difficult to hone in on the climax at first. But, for now, note what you believe is the main event. As you continue brainstorming, you can always return to this section and alter it.
Wrapping Up
What happened after the main event? This is the falling action, where you tie up any loose ends and reflect on how things changed. And don’t forget—this doesn’t have to be the end of your story. It’s a great place to set the stage for the next chapter!
The “End”
Now, it’s time to finish your story. Maybe the end of your story is really just the beginning of something even bigger, and that’s okay! Just make sure to leave your readers with a sense of closure and maybe even a little curiosity about what happens next.
Tell Your Story Like a Pro– Writing Tips
Once you’ve brainstormed your story, it’s time to write! Here are some pro tips to help you craft a compelling story that keeps your readers engaged.
1. Write Now, Worry Later
Don’t stress about perfection in your first draft. Just let your ideas flow freely! You can always refine and edit later. The most important part is to get your story out of your head and onto the page.
2. Establish the Goal of Your Story
Before you dive in, think about the central message you want to communicate. What do you want readers to take away from your story? Establishing your main points upfront can help guide the narrative.
3. Write from the Heart
Personal stories are most powerful when they’re honest and vulnerable. Don’t be afraid to share the emotional content that makes your story meaningful. It’s these little details that connect us to others.
4. Draw the Reader In
Your opening paragraph is key. Make sure it grabs attention right away. Start with a powerful phrase, an interesting fact, or a funny story to get your reader hooked from the first sentence.
5. Focus on Connecting to the Audience
As you write, always keep your audience in mind. How can you make a personal connection? A great storyteller doesn’t just entertain—it creates a connection.
“A good story is about helping the listener see themselves in the story. It’s not about you; it’s about them.”
– Donald Miller, Building a StoryBrand
6. Use Imagery and Sensory Details
Pull the reader into your world with vivid imagery. Describe the sights, sounds, and feelings of your experiences. These sensory details help immerse the reader and make your story more engaging.
7. Avoid Unrelated Tangents
While brainstorming, you may come up with interesting ideas that don’t quite fit into your main story. That’s okay! Just remember to stay focused on the plot and the elements of the story that support your narrative.
8. Re-read and Edit
After you’ve written your story, don’t be afraid to edit! Go over it as many times as it takes. Editing is where you’ll really shape your story and ensure it flows well.
9. Ask for Feedback
It can be helpful to have a close friend or family member review your work. Ask for their thoughts and suggestions to make your story even stronger.
It's Time to Tell Your Story!
Telling your story doesn’t have to be a neverending task. With a bit of guidance, a lot of heart, and the right structure, you can tell a great story that connects, inspires, and leaves a lasting impact.
Check out The Community for Beginner Bloggers for encouragement! You don’t have to be an aspiring blogger, though it is a plus. This helpful community helps any writer at any stage. So, join us today for more support and inspiration in telling your story!
Now, grab that pen, embrace the process, and remember—you’re a great storyteller in the making!