The Power in Telling Your Story: Words Make all the Difference.
The language we use is important. Word choice can mean the difference between accessible content and exclusive content. It’s the difference between inviting participation or alienating people you’re trying to connect with–the difference between being heard and being lost.
Using plain language doesn’t mean we must “dumb it down” (and we shouldn’t be using “dumb” anyway; it’s ableist and outdated.) If people don’t understand the colloquialism or vocabulary from your language it probably means they know another one fully.
Using simple words and phrases doesn’t mean that what you write is boring. (You can still be poetic; look at Hemingway.) You do need to tailor your words to your audience and “design” for the fringe cases if you want to be inclusive and get your message across to more people.
What if I say “I’ll be in touch” or “That’s not my cup of tea”? Sayings and idioms (words that mean something else, a figure of speech/non-literal) are not always accessible. I don’t always leave these out. I am not always clear and I’m clearly verbose…but “The vision is a WIP.”
As a lover of languages, talking, communications, connections and creating, I believe in my core that words have power. If we are brave enough, we tell it "like it is." No B.S. We are direct and honest. That bravery can come with age, privilege, or because your story is too important. You can no longer hold it in, especially the traumatic parts. It’s got to escape…or eat you alive.
Your work is part of your story, but it’s not the whole story. What’s memorable are the personal anecdotes and little moments that help us make meaning. The why and who-not just facts, but findings. Discoveries over deliverables. What did you learn from that toxic experience? It’s less about what you did; that’s not as relatable or interesting as why.
I reject toxic positivity, but I also push back against our constant default to beat ourselves up. Our small mistakes or shortcomings (defined by the patriarchy) are not where we should focus our energy. Why self-flagellate? Stories do matter. The ones we tell ourselves matter most. After you share ideas or finish something, do you tell yourself you suck or do you declare “I’m a rockstar”?
Do you tell yourself "I failed "or "I tried"?
Capitalism and patriarchy tell us to scale: we need more, to work more, to be more, to have more. Never enough. Eff that!
You are enough. Your work is enough. Your effort, your contribution, your showing up how you show up is enough. Your challenges are often your greatest assets; they are part of you!
What are your superpowers (your unique gifts, talents, differences)? Don’t know? Your story matters. Doubt it? Give me 30 minutes.
My superpower: finding your strengths. As one client said, “Thank you for telling me back to me.” When I get to articulate your why in a new way, or confirm and tell you to go left (when you already know you want to go left) that is my “zone of genius.”
Need help surfacing the good stuff, highlighting your best skills or attributes, framing your value prop? Ask me for help!
I like to say “I’m going to amplify the $&%! out of you!” –and I will. Once I know your story, I share it widely. Collectivism and mutualism are the best way to get our voices out there and make a bigger impact. It is our damn mission, afterall.
I want to know what you’re working on or dreaming of or bringing or birthing into the world. The world should know about you! Share your gifts and celebrate them.
You are a rockstar. What’s your story?
