Impact Storytelling Lab

Story Setup

Establish who the story is about, where it takes place, and the challenge at its heart.

Protagonist Who is the story about? Use a pseudonym or first name only to protect identity.

Setting Where and when does this story take place?

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The Challenge What problem or barrier does the protagonist face? What is at stake?

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The Journey

Describe how the intervention or programme touched the protagonist's life.

The Intervention What programme, project, or support reached the protagonist?

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Key Moments of Change What were the pivotal moments? When did things begin to shift?

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Turning Points Was there a specific moment of realisation, decision, or breakthrough?

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Evidence Integration

Ground the narrative in data. Link the personal story to programme-level evidence.

Before Metric A measurable indicator before the intervention.

After Metric The same indicator after the intervention.

Programme Outputs What programme activities or outputs enabled this change? Include numbers where possible.

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Data Source Where does the evidence come from? (e.g. endline survey, M&E system, programme records)

The Transformation

Describe what changed for the protagonist and the wider ripple effects.

What Changed How is the protagonist's life different now? Be specific and concrete.

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Ripple Effects How has the change affected the protagonist's family, community, or peers?

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Protagonist's Voice A direct quote from the protagonist that captures the change in their own words.

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Call to Action

What should the reader take away? What action do you want them to take?

Key Takeaway The single most important message the audience should remember.

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The Ask What specific action are you asking the reader/audience to take?

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Ethical Storytelling Checklist

Ensure your story meets ethical standards for responsible impact communication.

Informed consent obtained from the protagonist (or their guardian) to share this story

Dignity preserved -- the protagonist is portrayed with agency, not as a passive victim

Not exploitative -- the story does not use graphic suffering or poverty for emotional manipulation

Community reviewed -- the story has been reviewed by or shared with the community it represents

Factual accuracy verified -- all data points and claims are supported by evidence

Identity protected -- real name is not used without explicit permission; location is sufficiently anonymised

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Tone

Select a tone to shape how your story reads across all formats.

Story Formats

Your story adapted for different communication channels. Click a format to view and copy.

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Live Story Preview

Start filling in the Story Setup to see your narrative take shape here.