Why Storytelling for Disability Advocacy Service Could Focus on “Before and After”
Building on the “Day in the Life” format discussed in our last, today we move onto the “Before and After” format. All of these formats will be rolled into the Way of The Podcaster as we head towards the end of this season. I think, though, it is instructive to interrogate each of these formats as they bring different benefits and drawbacks to the storytelling process.
This format is pretty straightforward and complex at the same time. From the simple descriptive, this happened and I was never the same again to this happened, it led to these changes ~ physical, emotional, spiritual, economic ~ and this is how I am a different person in each of these domains.
The Power of Transformation
At its core, the “Before and After” format tells a story of change.Transformation and change are the points of storytelling. They are why we focused on the human element and the emotional connections in episodes two and three of this season. The essence of a great story is the possibility of change and the actual change is the resolution of the tensions within the story. Unless, of course, we are talking about tragedy when the resolution is obvious to the listener, reader, viewer but not to the protagonist. We are not dealing with tragedies, I hope but we may cover some tragic events leading up to the transformation. The before in the before and after of the title.
This transformation appeals to human emotions and psychology in several key ways:
It Engages on an Emotional Level
Human beings are naturally drawn to stories of growth and triumph. Seeing someone overcome obstacles or achieve a better quality of life evokes emotions like empathy, hope and inspiration. These emotions drive deeper connections with the work your service does and the people you impact. Best advertisement for clients and staff available.
It Demonstrates Impact Clearly
The impacts of your work are made visible, the change in each person you feature is the essence of “Show don’t tell.”. When your listeners feel the changes in your people that you’ve acted as a guide for, they connect with both your clients and your service on an emotional level.
It Simplifies Complex Issues
Many of the challenges disability advocacy services address—like multidisciplinary approaches, complex care issues, personal development and sexuality—can feel overwhelming and abstract. By breaking these issues down into individual stories of transformation, the “Before and After” format makes them more relatable and humanises them.
Why “Before and After” Works for disability advocacy service
It Builds Credibility and Trust
Audiences are inundated with appeals for support and skepticism about institutions and the NDIS is common. “Before and After” stories offer transparency by showing exactly how navigating these waters with your service’s as support and guidance makes a difference. You provide evidence of other’s progress and demonstrate you deliver on your promises.
It Appeals to Visual and Narrative Learners
Some people are inspired by detailed written accounts, while others connect more deeply with visual stories. The “Before and After” audio format caters to both by combining compelling word pictures with narrative explanations, maximizing engagement across different types of audiences.
It Encourages Action
When people see transformation, they’re often inspired to become part of the story. A potential staff member might think, “If my contribution can help make this change, I want to be involved.” A potential client and/or their careers/guardians will be more motivated to approach your service. This is where one of the powers of podcasting comes into itself. Your episodes remain active and available forever. Any episode can trigger a response in a listener. Either an episode from five years ago or one from last week can have this effect. And the greater your back catalog, the more authority you will continue to and have already built. Once the timing is right people will engage with you and they will know you through your show.
How to Craft Effective “Before and After” Stories
1. Focus on Authenticity
Authenticity is the foundation of effective storytelling. Ensure that “Before and After” stories are genuine and based on real transformations. Misrepresenting impact or exaggerating results can erode trust and harm your organization’s reputation. You will have these stories in your service. You may just need to adjust your eye to see them. Don’t forget your staff, they too will have stories of transformation through their work.
Choose Relatable Subjects
Select stories with which your target audience can connect. You’re, in all likelihood, using your pod to showcase your work to potential clients and staff. Show what your people can do with you as their guides, Obi Won style. If you’re using your pod as evidence to funding bodies of outcomes for your people, the same stories cover this too.
Use Powerful Emotions
“Before and After” storytelling is inherently emotional. Show the life changes expressed through the emotional changes from say stressed and anxious to calm and at peace following a self actualising moment. That may be a bungy jump, a skydiving event or even an acceptance into a course or the beginning of a relationship.
Show the Journey
Paint word pictures as a narrator, allow the protagonist to speak their truth. Transformation isn’t just about the results; it’s about the process. Share what happened in between the “Before” and the “After”. You can do this with foreshadowing, reversing the order. Star with the “After” and flash back to the “Before”, the options are only limited by your imagination.
Incorporate a Call to Action
End the story with a clear call to action. Give audiences a way to have their own “Before and After” stories.
Best Practices for Ethical Storytelling
While “Before and After” stories are impactful, it’s essential to approach them responsibly:
- Respect Privacy and Consent: Always obtain permission from individuals or communities before sharing their stories and images.
- Avoid Exploitation: Ensure the narrative focuses on empowerment and dignity rather than portraying individuals as victims.
- Highlight Broader Impact: While individual stories are compelling, connect them to the larger mission of your NGO to show systemic change.
Conclusion
As a technique and a tool in your kit, the “Before and After” storytelling format is more than a narrative device—it’s a powerful way to demonstrate impact, foster trust and inspire action.
By showcasing real-world transformations, disability advocacy services engage audiences in a deeper emotional connection, simplifying complex issues and creating a sense of hope and possibility.