This past weekend, AWiB had the distinct pleasure of hosting a powerful and insightful session on the Principles of Writing, led by Tizita Shewferaw. The event was more than a writing workshop, it was a profound journey into the heart of storytelling and its power to transform.

The session began with Tizita herself leading by example, generously sharing key moments from her own life’s journey. This powerful vulnerability set the tone for the day, demonstrating firsthand how personal narratives are built and the courage it takes to share them.

Participants were then introduced to the inverted pyramid method which is a structured approach to storytelling that begins with the present moment, delves into the past struggles and challenges faced, and culminates in the overcoming and lessons learned. This framework provided a clear and empathetic structure for crafting compelling narratives.

The theory was immediately put into practice. In a powerful exercise, attendees were invited to turn inward and apply the inverted pyramid to their own experiences. For 20 minutes, the room was filled with a focused silence as each person embarked on writing their personal or professional story.

The true magic of the session unfolded next, as several participants bravely read their stories aloud. This act of sharing created an incredible atmosphere of mutual trust, empathy, and connection. In hearing each other’s journeys of challenge and triumph, every member found pieces of their own story reflected back, leading to a powerful collective learning experience.

We explored not only how to tell our own stories with clarity and impact but also how to approach writing the stories of others with empathy and structural integrity.

The session served as a beautiful and powerful reminder that storytelling is far more than a writing skill, it is a vital tool for healing, connecting, and inspiring both ourselves and our community.

Share to your circles!