Why Storytelling for Disability Advocacy Service Could Focus on “A Day in the Life Of”
I think we can take it as written that storytelling is the tool par excellence to connect with audiences, raise awareness and inspire action. Among the approaches to storytelling, “A Day in the Life Of” narrative is a useful approach. Providing a window into the everyday experiences of individuals, showcasing their challenges, hopes and triumphs. This format offers an opportunity to humanize your work, foster empathy and deepen the connection between audiences and the work you do.
This blog explores why “A Day in the Life Of” storytelling is so effective and how disability advocacy services can use it to create compelling narratives that inspire real change.
What Is “A Day in the Life Of” Storytelling?
“A Day in the Life Of” storytelling takes audiences on a journey through the daily routine of an individual, often someone impacted by the service’s work. This is a standard enough approach however a day in which major changes occur is another approach.
The first approach, a “standard day” whatever that may be.
- A client, service user, resident or whatever term your service uses, discusses their day as they live it. Obviously we need consent and permissions from the individual whose day is being lived.
- Clearly the day needs to be selected carefully. “Got up, went for a walk, watched tv and went to bed” is not likely to be gripping audio. It might be, though, if the individual concerned has a story around this routine that contrasts with how they used to live before your service supported them.
- A staff member’s day might be a useful story too. Why your people do what they do through showing, not telling.
Another “day” to consider might be a day of change. A individual’s first contact with the NDIS, their reactions to the process and how they travelled through the day with your service as a guide but with them as the hero of the story.
These stories immerse audiences in the individual’s world connecting them person to person on a deep emotional level, when done well.
Why “A Day in the Life Of” Works for disability advocacy service
It Humanizes the Cause
A “Day in the Life Of” story takes your advocacy from the abstract to the personal. It brings the “humanness” of what you do to the forefront of the storytelling process. As covered in episode 2 of this season (17) The Human Element humanising a story is a key connection point between listener and podcaster. People are interested in people, why not tell them about the individuals you’ve supported to change their lives?
It Creates Emotional Engagement
Episode 3: Storytelling ~ Emotional Connection built upon the human element to give emotional depth to your stories. The “Day in the Life of” format offers opportunities to build emotional connection and hence engagement with your listeners. The entire episode could be designed around the emotional state of your main character as they move through their day. Possibilities include starting the day with joy and gratitude versus anxiety and depression or the movement between these extremes as the episode unfolds. A series of individual days across a six month period could be used to show change over time as the main character, let’s give them a name, Anna. Anna has grown over the half year to better understand and control her anxiety through CBT techniques and medication. As Anna grows through self knowledge over the half year with each of the days in the series showing how this happens. Especially useful if the change is not linear. And when it comes to people, change is rarely linear. The nuance of the changes, the variations in emotional reaction, response and even choice would bring your listeners with you and Anna on her journey.
Emotions drive action. When audiences step into Anna’s shoes, they feel her anxieties, joys and hopes. This emotional connection builds trust with your organisation and its ability to work with, to guide and to allow its people to grow in their own way.
It Showcases Impact Tangibly
“A Day in the Life Of” stories offer a concrete way to demonstrate the impact your service creates. By illustrating how someone’s day has changed because of your service’s support, these narratives provide evidence of what you do by demonstrating the changes you make in the lives of others.
How to Create an Effective “A Day in the Life Of” Story
To make the most of this storytelling format you need to approach it thoughtfully and ethically. Here are some best practices:
Choose the Right Subject
Not every story will fit this format, we have more formats coming in the following episodes, but this format does work for some stories. You must be able to connect with your listeners. There must be a reason to tell this story. Sometimes that can be for the benefit of the main character. They mean enough to someone for their daily life to be recorded and shared. This is a noble reason for producing such an episode. To make it relevant to your listeners, you may need to have your talent, let’s stick with Anna, you may need Anna to describe what the production of this episode meant to her. Why being the main character in the episode mattered, what it made her feel, how it helped her to achieve a goal and so on. Link this back, subtly, to your vision or mission statement, the “why?” you do the work you do.
Capture Authentic Details
Authenticity is key. This format is a nonfiction format in this circumstance. You work with real people, your storytelling must be about those people. Focus on the small details making the story relatable and human. For example, describe the early morning sounds of the alarm clock, the cat calling to be fed, the kettle boiling to add depth to your soundscape as Anna talks and takes us through her day. These sensory details bring the narrative to life.
Show Moments of Frustration and Joy
Anna could discuss how easy she finds getting out of bed now compared to when she contacted your service. How she’s been dealing with the triggers which once would have thrown her into panic attacks and now just bring a smile to her lips. Parts of the day may still be a struggle and these are critical to the story. Overcoming a hurdle is a different storytelling format for a later examination but we could incorporate it here.
Respect Privacy and Dignity
Always prioritise ethical storytelling. Obtain consent from the individuals featured and ensure their dignity is upheld. Avoid sensationalizing their struggles or presenting them solely as victims.
Conclusion
The “A Day in the Life Of” narrative is a useful approach to storytelling. Providing a window into the everyday experiences of individuals, showcasing their hurdles, hopes and triumphs. This format offers an opportunity to humanize your work, foster empathy and deepen the connection between audiences and the work you do, to, in effect, give “The Unheard a Voice.”
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