Chapter 3 - Media and Storytelling
In advocacy, facts alone don’t move people — stories do. A strong narrative makes your issue personal, relatable, and urgent. It creates emotional connection and builds public will for change.
Your narrative is more than a talking point. It’s a clear, compelling explanation of:
What’s happening
Why it matters
Who’s being impacted
What needs to change
How people can help
Why Narrative Matters
Three Key Elements of a Powerful Narrative
The Personal – Share your lived experience. What challenge have you faced? What does this issue look like in real life?
The Political – Name the broader system or policy causing the harm. Why is this happening? Who holds the power to fix it?
The Possible – Offer hope and action. What does change look like? What are you calling people to do?
A good narrative isn’t a full autobiography. It’s a focused story that connects your personal experience to a broader public issue. Think 1–2 minutes long, with a clear emotional arc.
Start with:
“I’m a small business owner in…”
“This issue showed up in my life when…”
“Here’s how it’s affecting me, my family, or my community…”
“I believe it doesn’t have to be this way…”
End with:
“That’s why I’m speaking out today…”
“That’s why I support [policy or campaign]…”
“That’s why I’m asking [target] to take action…”