Storytelling moves the discussion away from impersonal policies and focuses attention on what matters: people. Here are some tips for telling a great story. You can hone your skills even more by taking the PFLAG Academy Online course Sharing Your Story to Create Change.

Choose Your Personal Story

Pick a moment that gives a glimpse into your experience as an LGBTQ+ person or ally:

• Your coming out/disclosure story
• Incidents of bullying or discrimination
• Your journey to accepting yourself or others
• What it felt like to find out that someone you love is LGBTQ+

Convey Your Message

Stories have purpose. Through your story, you can help your audience connect with a specific issue.

• What does your audience need to know about this issue?
• Why is it important to you — and to them?
• What can they do? (e.g., Vote, go to a PFLAG meeting, sponsor your program, learn more, etc.)

Tips

• Practice your story — in the mirror, to your pets, to your friends — then practice more.
• Allow your story to evolve as you do.
• Avoid going on autopilot when telling your story in person. Stay aware of how you’re feeling and how people respond.
• Keep the details concise and know what to leave out.
• Stay committed to the truth. Don’t exaggerate or change your story because you think it might be more convincing.
• You don’t need to be an expert. If someone asks you a question and you don’t know the answer, commit to finding the information and following up.
• Let your emotions show when telling your story in person. This openness will help others relate to your message.
• Engage in the conversation by using gestures and making eye contact.
• Avoid using ‘insider’ language and acronyms until you’ve explicitly explained them.