True impact of storytelling lies in its ability to build connection through shared humanity rather than evoke pity. Many stories, especially in disaster contexts, fail because they reduce individuals to a single, limiting identity that of a “victim.” Focusing only on suffering and the need for external aid, strips people of their dignity, complexity, and aspirations. Such one-dimensional portrayals create a sense of “otherness,” making it difficult for audiences who are not directly affected to relate to those experiencing crisis. In contrast, impactful storytelling presents people in their full human context by highlighting resilience, agency, and the capacity to support others even amid adversity. A story succeeds when it moves beyond statistics and reminds audiences that those affected by crises are individuals with dreams, strengths, and dignity similar to their own, said Meenakshi Gupta, Co-Founder, Goonj.
The expert was responding to a question by a Yuva sustainability intern on how do we measure the impact of storytelling during the 2nd Yuva Sustainability Webinar on Telling Climate & Disaster Stories Right.
Shubh Agarwal, a CA finalist at Institute of Chartered Accountants India, is a Yuva Sustainability Intern.