What is a signature story?
A signature story is a story developed around your life. This is different for each person because we are all unique, but we each have something special to share that can help others.
In July, I had the opportunity to hear my friend Diana Hall, tell her signature story:
Diana is Mrs. Delta 1998. For me, this story had a lot of impact because I had just applied to the Mrs. Colorado Pageant to represent the women and community of Summit County as Mrs. Summit County 2013. The other aspect is that I too had just entered a State Pageant at the age of 39. In fact, I turn 40 three weeks after the Pageant taking place May 16 (prelimiaries) and May 18 (finals).
A person’s story can inspire others to do something they may never have tried before. If you had asked me 7 years ago whether I would try a State Pageant, I would have said no. At the time, I had not started coming into my stories and what they can do for others.
Over the last three years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many amazing people like Diana Hall (Mrs. Delta 1998), Raeanne Smith (Mrs. Colorado 2000), Emily Stark (Mrs. Colorado 2002), and my friend Amy Nakos (Mrs. Frisco – 4 years!). Who is not inspired by strong women?
Diana likes to call us SWAN’s.
- S – Smart
- W – Worthwhile
- A – Attractive
- N – and a little bit Naughty. (I like to think of this as being a little bit Sassy!)
My stories have evolved over the last two years (and are still evolving) depending on the group I’m working with. My mentors Alan Swartz and Joe Sabah constantly push and inspire me to tell better stories that can help persuade or inspire others.
At this point, you may be asking…
What is your signature story Yvonne?
When Diana asked me this while we worked on one of my stories, I said…”I think I’m living it right now.”
In the meantime, each of my stories is tailored to your event…
- I have a story that I use in Leadership Training sessions featuring my mentor Alan Swartz (he hasn’t seen this one yet since I present to groups outside of my home Summit Toastmasters club). With this story, I discuss what individuals and organizations can accomplish when there is a mentor or leader who supports the journey.
- I’m an architect/project manager by profession who is fairly petite and likes to wear nice work clothes. (Reminder…Don’t judge a book by its cover!) I like to use adventures from riding dirt bikes. (It’s amazing the number of analogies to life, leadership and business that you can come up with from this hobby! I’ve been riding for about 12 years and just upgraded to my 5th bike, a Honda 250.)
- As a “State Finalist” in the Mrs. Colorado Pageant, I’m enjoying the opportunity to speak with individuals and groups across the state (I travel quite a bit between Denver and Grand Junction) on my journey. Being a “State Finalist” is a great way to pull your community together and help other non-profits with some of their activities.
Who doesn’t want to inspire others on what can be achieved with setting goals and working hard to achieve them?
Who doesn’t want to inspire others that you are never too old to try something new?…that you’re never too old to learn how to take better care of yourself…
That there is hope in the face of tragedies…