Everyone has a story to tell, but not everyone chooses to share it with the world for a variety of reasons. The biggest reasons of all? Imposter syndrome and fear. I know the feeling – I was one of them!
Nardi’s Take? That’s a missed opportunity – for yourself and for others! Here’s why.
Let me start off by explaining that if you’re afraid to tell your story, whether you’re worried someone will judge you or pity you, I want you to know that I see you. Trust me, my friend, you are not alone.
It personally took me 20 years to share my story with anyone, but bottling it up had its consequences. I found myself bedridden with an unexplained mystery illness on top of the anxiety, depression, and grief that I was already experiencing from the loss of my dad when I was just 11 years old. But when I looked at my “mess” with a fresh set of eyes, I gained a new perspective: my story is my purpose, and my purpose is my superpower!
That’s when my healing began. And guess what? I’m still healing. It doesn’t happen overnight! But, to this day, the more that I tell my story, the more healing that takes place. Something else happens, too. By telling my story, I help others heal, and that is by far the greatest reward of all.
Why Your Story Matters
You might find that your own story is too difficult to share out loud or on paper, whether it’s as big as sharing it on a stage in front of hundreds or even thousands of audience members (there’s a reason why public speaking is the NUMBER ONE fear in the world!) to as small as sharing it with your partner or your dearest friend. But trust me when I say that sharing your story has an impact beyond your imagination.
Sharing my story wasn’t only healing for me, it became my purpose. I started my own media relations agency, Nardi Media, LLC, to offer mission-driven organizations, authors, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs “PR with Purpose” by elevating their important message to the masses. This isn’t just a tagline – it’s the mantra we follow to uplift the voices of those who uplift the world through powerful media placements.
We’ve seen the magic that happens when important stories are told using PR with Purpose, including:
- Gaining exposure to a wider audience. The more you share your story with more people far and wide, the more your story has the chance to create real impact and change lives!
- Building credibility for yourself and for your mission, whether the mission is yours alone or that of an organization you’re part of.
- Leveraging new opportunities, such as bringing new members to your organization, identifying speaking engagements for you to share your story, or partnering with others who have a shared purpose.
- Build meaningful connections with people of influence. Stories bring people together!
- Inform the public about your work. The more you share your story and your purpose, the more awareness you’ll generate.
- Inspire people to take more action, whether it’s donating, volunteering, calling their lawmakers, or more!
If you’re not completely convinced that sharing your story is going to change lives, I’ll tell you what I tell all of my clients: you have a responsibility to share your story with the world. Why? Because using your voice ignites change, builds community, and creates true impact. Sharing your story, both in writing and verbally, connects you with others and sparks healing, connection, and change. It leaves the world better than we left it, something that is deeply needed now more than ever.
It’s Time to Share Your Story. But First, Prepare!
When you’re ready to share your story with the media, it’s important to prepare! As a former journalist and television producer, I’ve had a front-row seat to both sides of the camera, and I can tell you that there are three types of questions you’ll get asked during an interview. They are:
- Killer Questions. These are your toughest questions! They are uncomfortable, difficult to answer, and may humiliate, agitate, or infuriate you. These are definitely not the questions you want to be asked, and there’s a chance you don’t know the answer to them. That’s why you prepare!
- Ideal Questions. These are the questions you want to be asked because you’ll feel the most confident and comfortable answering them. These questions will also give you the opportunity to discuss your message, which is always the goal of sharing your voice with the media!
Google Questions. These are the questions that a reporter will find by researching you and questions that are related to the latest news and trending topics. Make sure you Google yourself to see what you find and load up on your news! You might find nothing, very little, or more likely, things you won’t want to talk about. These questions also might overlap with your Killer Questions!
Implementing the BE HEARD Framework
In 2020, when everyone could use a bit of healing, I felt the urge to use my voice and share my story on a different scale than I ever had before: by writing my very first book. I was so nervous, but I knew that sharing my story was necessary to create an impact!
In Authentic Power: Give Yourself Permission to Feel, I openly share every “messy” part of my story, and how not speaking about my pain all those years ago caused me to lose my voice well into adulthood. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping others share their voices today!
In my book, I also share the framework that I created to help me heal through difficult emotions, find my voice, and practice sharing my story: The BE HEARD Framework. This framework has become an important part of our media training services at Nardi Media, and it’s something you can implement every time you need support in using your voice to talk about a difficult topic.
The BE HEARD Framework stands for:
Believe in yourself and the power of your voice. Here’s how:
- Put your blinders on and stop comparing yourself to others!
- Address your fears
- Understand the difference between the way you speak and the way you write.
Empower your inner voice to ignite your outer voice. Here’s how:
- Think of a word that reflects what you need to feel empowered to share your story today, and write it down! Examples could include clarity, permission, strength, love, truth, confidence, or support.
Hone your message. Enhance it with this checklist for building a powerful message:
- Credibility
- Empathy
- Meaningfully Specific
- Positive Language
- Power Words
- Simple Language
- Story-like
- Call to Action!
Evaluate your audience. Think about:
- What does this audience care about?
- How much do they already know about me or this topic?
- What’s the takeaway or call to action I want them to leave with?
- Understand differing agendas
Articulate by practicing out loud.
- Bonus if you can record yourself to see how you sound!
Repetition is the key to retention!
- Practice it out loud as many times as you need to!
Deliver your message to the masses in order to inspire change, build community, and create impact! Here’s how:
- Speak to your existing audience: Newsletter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, etc.
- Reach out to local press in your community offering your expertise: TV, Radio, Print, Online
- Reach out to like-minded communities offering workshops, speaking engagements, and more!
There is No Better Time to Share Your Voice with the Media
People need inspiration, authenticity, vulnerability, and hope now more than ever. Your story could be the spark that makes an impact on the world and ignites real change!
If you think your organization or group would benefit from hearing a talk on topics such as this one, I’d be honored to support you. Contact us here to learn more about booking me to speak!