At the core of the framework is an updated version of the Centre for Stories storytelling principles. The principles are largely the same except for the major difference being that stories can be either true or fictitious, and that stories can be expressed in a medium of choice, and shared (or not) with an audience of choice.

Storytelling Principles

• Tell your own story, a story that is yours to tell

• Your story can be true or made up 

• Stories have a beginning, middle and an end

• Your story doesn’t need to be big or dramatic – it can be a small everyday experience 

• Share a story that isn’t painful for you to tell 

• Share a story that makes you feel good 

• You can create your story in a form you choose -it can be spoken, written or using other mediums including digital platforms, movement, audio

• You decide who gets to hear your story

• You decide the way you want to share your story

• Use communication supports as needed 

• Help the audience to understand your story. Storytelling takes listeners into account and considers how they will feel hearing your story.

• Don’t use your story to make other people feel bad

Expanding on the principles of storytelling 

• You decide what story you want to tell. 

• You own your own story and how it is shared. 

• We tell true stories and fictional made up stories.

• You do not have to share the “obvious” story – what you think people will want to hear. It does not have to be sensational or dramatic to be important. 

• If we tell a true story we tell stories from our scars, not our wounds – if sharing a painful story, be sure that it’s one you have healed from and feel comfortable sharing. Be mindful of other people in the room too and how hearing your story can make them feel.

• Tell a story that makes you feel good

• Our stories are short and impactful, usually between 2 to 10 minutes long. It’s important to focus on one powerful story rather than a hundred small stories. 

• Storytelling is a two-way conversation and the audience matters. Storytelling takes listeners into account and considers how they will feel hearing your story.  

• Stories should be engaging, impactful and easy to understand. 

• We tell our own stories – if we are telling a true story other people may feature in our stories, we share stories from our perspective and how our experiences shaped us. 

• Our stories take many forms  - they can be spoken, they can be written, they can use different forms of media and communication support devices. 

• Telling your story shouldn’t be dependent on putting other people down. Mimicking accents or sharing stereotypes from people outside of your own community can be hurtful. Do not make unnecessary comments or share hurtful opinions on anyone’s identities or stories. 

• Any outcomes, like events or recordings, are not as important as the journey of story-telling and learning about storytelling, and your wellbeing throughout this process.