7. How to Share Your Story With Impact

In the world of social media, it’s easy to believe that impact only counts when it’s measured in likes, shares, and millions of views. But the truth is, if your story helps even one person feel seen, understood, or empowered to make a healthy change—that is impact.

Whether you’re speaking to five people in a room or thousands online, the goal remains the same: to help one person feel less alone.

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Storytelling vs. Telling

Most people talk about their experiences. But storytelling goes deeper. It draws people in. It helps them feel. It creates connection. Here are some practical tips to help you tell your story in a way that truly resonates.

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Use Metaphors to Honour the Feeling

Sometimes raw facts can’t capture the full emotional weight of an experience. Metaphors can help.
For example:
“Every time I had to speak in class, my body turned to fire—yet I froze in fear.”

This paints a vivid emotional picture that others can connect with, even if they’ve never had the exact same experience.

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Break Down Broad Terms

Words like anxiety or depression are often too broad to be meaningful.
Instead of just naming the condition, describe what it looked and felt like for you.

For example:
“On Monday mornings, it felt like someone had put weights on my chest before I even got out of bed.”

These specific, human-level details are what make your story relatable.

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Anchor It in Time and Senses

Use touchpoints like day of the week, time of year, or sensory details to bring your story to life.
People know what a “Wednesday in winter” feels like.
They can picture the smell of rain, the scratch of a school uniform, or the silence of a lonely bedroom.

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Use Micro-Stories to Show, Not Tell

Rather than saying, “I knew I was loved,” share a small moment that shows it.

For example:
“My grandma would collect me from school on what she called ‘special occasion’ days. We’d take a bag of seed to the river and feed the ducks, or go back to her place and dig around in the garden. I now know those were the days my mum was struggling—but back then, I just knew I was loved.”

These moments stick with people—and they carry emotion in a way no general statement can.

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Use Tension and Release

Good stories have emotional flow. Don’t be afraid to introduce tension—moments of fear, pain, or confusion—but close the loop. Offer moments of relief, healing, or insight so the audience has room to breathe.

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Get Feedback Before You Share

Have a trusted friend, therapist, or support worker read your story.
This helps you:

• Gauge emotional impact
• Catch anything that might be triggering
• Gain encouragement before you go public

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Simplify Where Needed

Details can draw people in—but too many details can overwhelm or narrow your audience. Focus on what’s essential to the emotion and meaning. Stick to language and images that most people can relate to.

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Stay Humble

It’s okay to be proud of how far you’ve come—you’ve earned it. But the most powerful stories are often shared with humility.

You’re not saying, “I have all the answers.”
You’re saying, “Here’s what I’ve learned so far.”

You’re the expert of your journey—not someone else’s.

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Don’t Give Advice—Just Speak Your Truth

People don’t need instruction. They need resonance. Let your story speak for itself.

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Speak From the Heart

Honesty is magnetic.
Real vulnerability is rare—and when people see it, they lean in.

Your story doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be real.