Learning to tell stories that stick

Over an hour-long media workshop supported by the Victorian Government as part of The Indian Sun’s training and capacity-building program, Indian Care and the Bakhtar Community Organisation joined Saleha Singh for a straight-talking session on how to write stories that connect. With more than two decades in media and communications, Singh offered grounded insight into why storytelling matters in community work.

Participants introduced themselves, shared their challenges, and opened up about what holds them back. Some were confident speakers but found writing tricky. Others were more comfortable with text but shied away from video. Several spoke about the fear of getting things wrong, or of not knowing where to begin.

Saleha, who currently works with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and previously led communications for a clean energy project across South Asia, made it clear this wasn’t a grammar lesson. Communication, she said, begins with knowing your audience—and understanding how they read. “Most people read like an F,” she explained, referring to the way readers scan content online: across the top, down the side, and part way across again. That’s why your first line and opening paragraph carry the most weight.

Throughout the session, Saleha broke things down into simple, practical steps. Use short sentences. Avoid jargon. Write like you’re talking to a 12-year-old, not a university professor. Big words might look good on a page, but they lose people. The goal is connection, not perfection.

When participants raised concerns about how to structure a story, Saleha pointed to the importance of having a clear hook at the top. Whether you’re promoting a sports program or sharing a wellbeing success, lead with the what, when, and why. Don’t bury the point.

Some in the group wanted to know how to pitch to the media. Others asked about adjusting language for different stakeholders. There were also questions around ensuring accuracy, especially when working with journalists. Singh advised always asking to review quotes before publication. It’s a reasonable request, she said, especially when dealing with sensitive topics or first-person accounts.

There was also discussion on how to manage authenticity in storytelling. Several participants wanted to better understand how to maintain impact while reaching broad audiences. Saleha encouraged them to be honest and direct and to focus on the story, not the performance.

“You’re not trying to go viral,” she reminded the group. “You’re trying to be heard by the people who need to hear you.”

As the session wrapped up, participants spoke openly about their goals  from writing stronger newsletters to pitching their programs to local outlets like The Indian Sun or Dandenong Star. There was agreement that storytelling wasn’t an add-on, but a core part of community work.

This session is one of several workshops being delivered as part of The Indian Sun’s media training and capacity-building initiative, supported by the Victorian Government. Since May, the program has helped Indian community organisations across Melbourne and regional Victoria develop practical media skills—from writing and photography to newsletters and social media.

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