This article is part of a series on the six building blocks of storytelling: Who, What, Where, Why, When, and How. So far, we’ve looked at WHO and WHAT. Today, we’re looking at WHERE.
When you invite donors into the atmosphere of your work, you help them see, hear, and feel what it’s like to be there with you. The “where” of your story isn’t just a backdrop; it’s context that help give your mission meaning.
Use your senses
To make your stories come alive, practice using your senses. Think about your environment: What do you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel?
Instead of simply saying it’s “noisy,” describe the actual sounds that fill your day. Paint pictures with words. These details pull your audience in, helping them experience your world.
If your setting is part of the struggle or the joy, let your supporters feel that, too. The humidity that clings to your clothes, the taste of strong coffee, the aroma of spices in the air—these are the things that make your story real.
Share what it’s really like
Don’t forget the “social air.” What’s it like to walk down your street? What cultural dynamics shape your work? Sometimes, the place itself becomes a character in your story. It can be an ally, an obstacle, or a silent witness to the stories unfolding.
When you share these glimpses, you help donors understand why you’re needed there. You show them how their support makes a difference, not just in a place on the map, but in a tangible and dynamic place where real people face real challenges.
Where do you work? Bring us with you. Let us see through your eyes, and together, we’ll build a story that truly connects.
Your Assignment:
- Think of a specific location where your ministry happens (a kitchen table, a crowded cafe, a dirt path).
- Write three sentences describing it without using any proper nouns (names of cities, people, or religions).
- The Test: If a donor reads those three sentences, can they feel the temperature, hear the noise, and sense the tension?
