Building Empathy & Understanding

Kindra Hall, a storytelling expert and bestselling author, says that storytelling is more than entertainment—it’s a transformative tool for inspiring change, sharing visions, and fostering emotional connections. In a world often marked by disconnection, stories have the unique ability to bridge divides and bring people together.

The connection between empathy and storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful tool for developing empathy. Stories have been used for centuries to convey important lessons, share experiences and connect people across cultures and generations. Empathy helps us connect with others and understand their perspectives. In today’s information-saturated world, it is more important than ever, as we often feel disconnected from those around us.  

Through stories we are able in some way see the world through someone else’s eye, understand their perspective and feel their emotions. Whether you are a Mentor, Coordinators or simply trying to connect with those around us, storytelling can help us build stronger relationships and develop a deeper understanding of those we interact with. By sharing our own stories and listening to the stories of others, we can create a sense of connection and empathy with others.

With this understanding of storytelling’s power to foster empathy, let’s explore how COACH Network can harness it to highlight the transformative impacts of its mentoring programs.

Creating Impact Through Storytelling

At COACH Network, we believe in the power of storytelling to showcase the life-changing work happening in communities. Stories can highlight transformation—not only for individuals but also for families and communities. Sharing these narratives builds empathy, inspires action, and demonstrates the “why” behind what we do.

For instance, they might tell the story of Fatima a young girl with lots of dreams. Fatima fled Afghanistan as a child with her mother, arriving in Australia on a humanitarian visa in 2021. Before joining the mentoring program in 2022, she described her life as “black and white, nothing was clear”. She was struggling with being separated from her family, with her year 12 studies at TAFE, and to find employment other than ‘cash in hand’ jobs. Fatima said that she “didn’t know what to do, how to create goals or how to achieve them”.

With the support of her mentor, Fatima completed Year 12, welcomed her four younger brothers safely to Australia, obtained her driver’s license, and even completed a pathology course at Chisholm. In May 2024, she secured a casual job at a private clinic, several months later, she was offered full-time employment. The increase in hours will result in greater financial independence and stability.

“My mentor didn’t just help me with my studies; they supported me mentally too,” Fatima said. Today, she still dreams of becoming a nurse but now she has developed strategies to help her work towards and achieve her goals. Her story is not just one of personal transformation—it’s a testament to the ripple effects of mentoring on families and communities.

In sharing Fatimas’s story, we start to connect with her on a deeper level and develop a better understanding of her needs and emotions.

At the heart of every great story lies a clear message. It’s not just about what was done, but why it matters. The following questions can guide you in crafting stories that inspire and resonate deeply. Here’s a simple framework to guide your storytelling:

1. Can you tell me what your life was like before you started mentoring?
2. Can you tell me what your life is like now? What’s changed/improved?
3. What something you’ve achieved through mentoring that you are proud of?
4. What are some of your hopes for the future?

By answering these questions, you can create stories that resonate deeply and inspire others.

The Core Message of Impact Storytelling

Impact storytelling is about more than recounting events; it’s about illustrating the meaning behind them. Why do these stories matter? How do they demonstrate the value of the work being done? At its core, storytelling is about showing the human side of our mission, connecting with others on an emotional level, and motivating action.

Charmaine Vis

Regional Training & Network Manager