Do’s & Don’ts for sharing your story (4 of 4)

I hope this blog series on how your stories can change people’s lives is

inspiring for you. So don’t hold back. Share your story often.

Here are some helpful Do’s and Don’ts for sharing your story (4 of 4).

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Do’s
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Do share your story with the right person, at the right time, at
the right place. Otherwise, it will feel awkward and uncomfortable.

Do share an authentic story.

Do take time to listen and be present when someone shares their story with you too.

Do share hilarious or funny true stories too! Laughter can be healing for you and others.

Do share more than one of your stories. All stories can be helpful for others. Types of stories: Share your business story, an experiment story, a curiosity story, a parenting story, a funny story, an “Aha moment” story, a new perspective story, etc. All your stories matter. You matter.

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Don’ts
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Don’t share your story in a way that drains or depletes other people.
Shed a positive meaning on the experience. A moral of the story. A lesson you learned.

Don’t talk too long. Studies show the average audiences attention span while listening to a speaker is 7-10 minutes. Share your story in an authentic compelling way in 7-10 minutes. Even TED talks are a maximum of 20 minutes in length due to people’s attention span.

Don’t share your story from an “open wound” (I made this mistake a couple times, not any more). If you experienced something recent and its still “painfully raw”, you may want to allow a little time to “heal” before you share it with any one outside your “inner circle” (family, a best friend, a counselor). Sharing your story from a “scar rather than a wound” is more empowering for you and others.

In closing, You matter. Your story matters. Don’t hold back. Share your story with others regularly. Your story could make someone’s day and/or change someone’s life.

Much love,