How to Write Personal Stories That Are Not Self-Centred
What You’ll Learn in this Issue
- Why storytelling without a clear takeaway can frustrate rather than engage your audience
- The importance of having a strong, audience-focused point in every story you tell
- How to balance authenticity with discretion by setting boundaries in personal storytelling
Let's start with a story, shall we?
Meet Mia. Mia is a baker.
From her own kitchen, she runs a home bakery and serves hundreds of people in the neighbourhood each month. People love her desserts!
Like any ambitious entrepreneur, Mia wanted to expand her business. She wanted to own a small bakery where she can prepare her treats, buy all the necessary equipment, and build a team to help her serve more people.
To fund all of this, she knows she'll need to raise funds.
Once, Mia attended a FoodTech event with her team. They met Tina, a bakery owner who had achieved considerable success. As they conversed, Tina mentioned, "I’ve raised around $1 million for expanding my brand."
Mia's eyes lit up! Tina had all the experience she lacked. She could be a terrific resource.
Mia tried to ask a question, but Tina kept going on and on about her story. She talked about how she started baking in her grandmother's kitchen, how her passion for pastries developed, and how she turned her love for baking into a successful business.
The whole time, Mia was thinking, "Cool, but can you just tell me how to raise funds for my bakery?"
Finally, she interrupted Tina to politely pose this question.
Tina stared back for a second, paused, and then said, "That's a great question. You know, when I was trying to raise funds for my bakery..." and started with another 7-minute story about how she secured her first investment.
She never answered Mia's question.
Was Tina's story about fundraising any good?
No, it wasn't. Because Tina never gave Mia the one thing she wanted. Sure, it was entertaining, full of passion, and memorable anecdotes, but in the end, Mia walked away unsatisfied.
That's not a "good story." That's a waste of time.
The lesson? When you're telling a story, make sure it's clear to you (and the listener)—here's what's in it for them!
Always keep in mind the two ground rules of personal storytelling:
1. Have a Point
It’s your job to clearly communicate the purpose of your content. Everything you reveal should be around your point. Ultimately, if a story doesn’t serve, it can sound like rambling, a diary entry, or even gossip.
2. Set Boundaries
Authenticity doesn’t include spilling every shocking secret you know. Your story can be colourful without disclosing inappropriate details.
As you write, consider:
Do I need to say that?
Does this reflect who I am?
Do I want to be known for saying that?
Yes, stories hold power.
Sharing stories from personal experience is invaluable. It adds depth when you recount your journey and motivations for sharing your knowledge.
However, it's crucial to stay audience-focused. Writers must "check themselves" when it comes to personal writing.
