9. Choosing How to Share (which format)

Once you’ve shaped your story, the next step is to decide how you want to share it. There are two main formats: written and verbal. Both are powerful. Each has its own advantages—and a few things to keep in mind to make your story as impactful as possible.

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Written Sharing

Writing your story can be deeply reflective and therapeutic. It gives you the chance to pause, edit, and shape your message with intention. You might share in formats like:

• A social media post
• A blog or article
• A letter or email
• A journal or book excerpt

Here are some tips for written storytelling:

• Proofread for clarity – Spelling and grammar don’t need to be perfect, but clean writing helps your message land without distraction.
• Adapt your length to the platform – Social media often has character limits (e.g. Instagram captions, LinkedIn posts), so you may need to be more concise. If you’re writing for a blog or newsletter, you have more space to go deep.
• Keep paragraphs short and scannable – Big walls of text can feel overwhelming online. Use spacing, line breaks, or even emojis (when appropriate) to guide the reader through.
• Write like you speak – Aim for authenticity, not perfection. It’s okay to sound human.

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Verbal Sharing

Speaking your story out loud adds tone, expression, and emotion that can’t always be captured in writing. You may choose to share verbally through:

• A live talk or event
• A podcast interview
• A video story
• A support group or conversation circle

Whether it’s recorded or in person, here are some ways to maximise your verbal delivery:

• Use good recording equipment – If filming or recording, use the best mic and camera you have access to. Make sure your voice is clear and, if sharing on video, your face is well lit to humanise the message.
• Show your face if you feel safe to – It’s okay to stay anonymous, but if you’re ready, letting people see you can create a stronger emotional connection.
• Slow down slightly – Speaking a little more slowly than usual helps people process your words, especially if they’re unfamiliar with your accent or speech patterns.
• Pause, breathe, and vary your tone – Use silence as a tool. Emphasise key moments with tone, pitch, or volume. This brings your story to life and gives listeners space to absorb its meaning.
• Keep it concise – Aim for 10–15 minutes max, especially for public talks or digital formats. That’s about the length of a TED Talk, which is a helpful benchmark for audience attention.

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There’s No One Right Format

Some people prefer to write. Others are more comfortable speaking. Many do both. You might start by journaling and eventually share verbally. Or you might write a post before ever saying the words out loud.

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Choose the format that best aligns with your personality, purpose, and comfort level.

The medium matters—but the message is what counts most.