What you have to offer
Each of us has a story to tell, and sharing it can be powerful.
“Telling your story can change the world.”
LeRon L. Barton
Watch the video below to understand the power of telling your story.
The Power of sharing your story:
- People that feel represented in your story – can connect with your story – feel that they matter, and their experiences matter, validated and seen
- It inspires others to share their stories and unique perspectives which contributes to true diversity
- Hearing new perspectives enhances people’s lives
- Telling your story will help to write history more accurately
- Your story matters and you need to be the one telling it
“When everyone is heard, new ideas and concepts are born, ignorance fades away, and understanding appears in its place.”
LeRon L. Barton
Finding your story
Unsure what your story is?
Ask yourself:
- What makes you unique?
- What sets you apart from others?
- What are the most impactful events you’ve experienced?
- What happened in your life that changed your perspectives or stimulated growth?
- What major challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
- How is your day-to-day different from others?
- What is the key message you want to share with others?
- What changes do you want to see in the world?
- What does the audience need to think, feel or do in order for those changes to occur?
Making an impact
To make your story memorable and evocative, there are some key elements to keep in mind.
Select the + buttons below.
This is the purpose of the story. The reason why you feel you need to tell it. The message that will impact your audience and change their way of thinking.
Your message should be clear and central to the story. Your story is a means of getting this message across in an engaging and impactful way.
A story needs conflict – challenges and struggle to show transformation and growth.
Sharing your challenges demonstrates vulnerability and authenticity, which helps to stimulate the audience’s emotions to connect on a deeper level.
Your story should flow – with a beginning, middle and end.
Start with a hook to grab the audience’s attention from the get go. Build to the climax where there is conflict and a turning point. Finish with a resolution and ensure the message of the story is clear.
Only include necessary details; don’t waffle on and get side-tracked. Remember the message you are trying to communicate and build your story around it.
Try to involve the audience. The degree in which you can do this will depend on the mode you use to tell your story.
You could:
- Ask questions and allow prompt a unison response with a show of hands or verbal cue
- Instruct the audience to discuss a question with someone next to them, then debrief with a show of hands
- Get the audience physically involved
- Inspire the audience to share their thoughts, feelings, experiences etc. on a social media platform
- Explain how the audience can take action to support your cause
Sharing Your Story
There are many ways to express yourself and tell your story. Below are some ideas.
Think about your strengths are build from there!
Music
Painting
Photography
Public Speaking
Dance
Sculpture and ceramics
Literature and writing
Including poetry, novels, children’s books, etc.
Film / Cinema and motion picture
Fashion design
Comedy
Theatre
Puppetry
Drawing
Graphic design
Collage
Podcast
“If there’s a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”
Toni Morrison
Activity: Express yourself!
Open your eLearning Workbook and go to Activity: Express yourself!
Reflect on the questions to find your story and decide how you’ll share it.
YDAN will be organising a showcase event as part of unleashed.
This will give you the opportunity to showcase what you have to offer and Share your story with the community.
Business Basics
Select the + buttons below to learn more the basics of running a business.
In Australia, there are four main types of business structures:
- Sole trader – gives you full control of your business
- Company – limits your liability, but more complex
- Partnership – two or more people who share income and losses
- Trust – very complex, a trustee is responsible for business decisions, debts and losses
You will need to determine the business structure that best suits your business. This will depend on your business size, type and how you want to run it. The business structure will impact licenses, tax, personal liability and other factors.
Learn more: Business Structures
You will need to register your business and apply for relevant licenses and permits.
This includes registering for an ABN, your business name and taxes.
Learn more: Registration
As a business, you will be required to pay tax. How you are taxed will depend on your business structure.
It is important to understand tax requirements to ensure you can pay tax and avoid penalties and fees.
Learn more: Taxation
There are risks to every business. These include financial risks, as well as risks to health and safety. Insurance is one way to protect your business against risks.
Tip! Establishing a business that turns a profit can take time. To ensure you still have a steady income, you could work part-time until your business alone is making enough money for you to live comfortably. This reduces your personal financial risk.
Learn more: Risk assessment and planning
There are professionals you can go to for support in establishing and managing your business.
WA.gov.au offers free small business advisory services(opens in a new tab) to people in Western Australia. Advice is confidential, and provided via phone, email or live chat.
Business.gov.au’s Advice finder(opens in a new tab) is another tool that allows you to search for business advisers that suit your needs.
Business.gov.au’s Guide to starting a business is a great tool you can use to support you through establishing your business.