
I was jealous.
My friend, Benta, told me, “My birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks. I don’t want a gift. I just want you to save Kshs.200,000 for an international trip.” (That’s around $2,000). All the while, I had depleted all my savings and had about $20 to my name. Red cheek ashamed of my petty feelings, I pushed them down.
Secrets are a Mistake.
My name is Juliet Wamuyu Macharia, and my professional journey has been immersed in communication, from customer support roles to project management. My work in storytelling, whether for tech projects or non-profit initiatives, has shown me how vulnerability can transform a narrative. It’s not easy, but the difference in how people relate to your message is remarkable. Vulnerability is a powerful tool every storyteller should master.
Honesty leads to uncomfortable self-reflection. This assessment leads to inner change. Storytelling demands sharing raw, often hidden, emotions. Anger or frustration shared make stories resonate. When you’re open and honest, your audience feels your story on a personal level. Instead of seeing your weakness, they acknowledge your bravery in being your whole hearted self. People respect honesty and self awareness. It builds trust.
For example, when telling a story about professional rejection, you might be tempted to skip over the pain and focus on your success. Like how I felt when my friends were planning a $2,000 excursion when I had nothing. But sharing how you feel in tough moments creates a bridge between you and your audience. They’ve likely felt similarly, and by showing vulnerability, your story is more relatable.
In my situation, Benta was going on and on about how cool her job was and how this international trip would be a way of celebrating. And finally I broke. I told her, “Maybe you need new friends who make as much money as you do.” I shared my own frustration because I lost control of my emotions for a second.
Sharing Leads to Connection.
I told her I was actively sending tens of applications every day, and that I was networking like never before. I told her sometimes I feel bad when I see her buying expensive perfume when I can’t even renew my Netflix subscription. In sharing out loud, I realized, I didn’t want her to tone it down, I actually just wanted to be heard. My resentment dissipated because I was seen.
Benta understood where I was coming from. She had known struggle too. So we connected more deeply, and our friendship strengthened.
Trust begets close listening. Trust leads to trust. When you share hard emotions people are more likely to share their emotions with you. Your audience doesn’t want a polished version of events—they long for reality. By embracing vulnerability, you invite them to experience the journey with you, making the story more memorable and impactful.
Juliet Wamuyu Macharia is a Kenya volunteer who wrote the above blog post. She is part of our volunteer writing program. If you would like to learn the art and craft of blog writing click here