Telling Your Story

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“Stories are how we learn best. We absorb numbers and facts and details, but we keep them all glued into our heads with stories.” – Chris Brogan


Your story is the most important part of advocacy! While no one can write your story for
you, we would like to provide you with a few tips to make your story impactful and
powerful.


3 Basic Parts:

In order to have an impact, your story should have three basic parts;

  • Introduction – let your audience know who you are and why they should listen (e.g. you are a parent/patient/provider, a constituent) and find a common ground
  • Your Story – what is your experience with CHD? How does it tie in with key talking points? See below for specific tips for developing your personal story
  • The Ask – Make sure you ask your listener to do something (e.g. visit a website, donate, sign a petition, support funding)

Tips for telling your story:

  • Keep it short – many of us feel we could write a novel, but a 2-3 minute story is best for most circumstances
  • Be clear – use plain words and avoid medical jargon, this may be the first time your listener is hearing about congenital heart disease
  • Speak from the heart – Yes, it is ok to choke up as you are relating your experience
  • Be accurate and honest – don’t make anything up to enhance your story
  • Avoid relying on statistics – one or two catchy facts are usually a good balance to your story
  • Be polite, respectful, patient, and grateful – win them with your positive passion
  • Practice, practice, practice. Tell your story to others and notice their reactions. After each practice, edit what you liked, and what you didn’t like.

Resources:

Find and print out CHD facts that you can use in your story, or even give to your listener.

Please contact advocacy@conqueringchd.org for an up-to-date, personalized list of talking points.

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