How to Tell Your Story

Your story is one of the most powerful tools you have at Relay For Life. Whether you're a survivor, a caregiver, or someone Relaying for a loved one, this guide helps you develop and deliver it — so you can adjust it for any audience, any length, and any stage.

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Quick Reference: Before You Speak

Review this the day of — or hour before — any speech or interview.

I know my one core message and what I want the audience to do.
My Hook is sharp — a stat, a question, or a clear purpose.
My Line covers discovery, diagnosis, treatment — and how my cancer organization made a difference.
My Sinker ends with a call to action and thanks the audience.
I've practiced out loud at least twice.
I know my time limit and have a 2-min, 5–7 min, and longer version ready.
Water at room temperature — no cold drinks or caffeine right before.
Pockets empty, phone silenced, notes numbered.
Deep breath. Eye contact. The audience is rooting for me.

Start with your audience

Before you write a single word, answer this: when the presentation is over, what should your audience walk away with?

Remember One fact they'll still know tomorrow.

Understand Why this matters — for them and their community.

Believe That hope is real and survival is possible.

Act upon The specific step you want them to take next.

Example Remember: Early detection saves lives. Understand: Research funding matters. Believe: You can survive cancer. Act: Join Relay, form a team, or book your screening.

Know your purpose

Your "basic story" should flex to fit the occasion. A Fight Back ceremony speech focuses on why you fight and how. A corporate pitch focuses on research, dollars, and reasons to Relay. Know why this audience is hearing this version today.

The Hook, Line & Sinker framework

Think of it like fishing — your aim is to catch your audience.

Hook

Opening

Line

Body

Sinker

🎣 Hook — the opening

You have about two minutes to win your audience. Your most-listened-to sentence is your first — give it the time it deserves.

Three ways to hook

Open with a startling statistic. "In the United States, 1,600 people die of cancer every day."
Ask a question. "How did it feel to be told, 'You have cancer'?"
State your purpose. "Early detection saves lives. I am here today to share with you how it saved mine."

Avoid these weak openings

Apologetic statements — "I'm sorry to take up your time, I know you're all busy."
A story or joke that doesn't relate to your topic. Humor can break the ice, but it's easy to get wrong.

🎣 Line — the body

Once you've hooked them, tell your story. Every Relay story should include two things:

1. Your cancer journey

Discovery — how did you find out? This detail can save someone's life.
Diagnosis — keep it understandable, not too technical.
Treatment — avoid complicated medical terms. The small details matter to us, but can switch an audience off.

Be mindful of content around faith. Know your audience — varying backgrounds and beliefs deserve sensitivity.

2. Your link to your cancer organization

You are an ambassador for the organization — make the connection clear. Every partner organization offers different programs, services, and support. Speak to what your organization provides.

List the programs and services your cancer organization offers that helped you — support groups, patient navigation, transport, lodging, helplines, awareness campaigns, Relay For Life.
Name the ways your organization made a real difference in your journey — access to screenings, information, treatments, advocacy, or community.
Mention how your organization funds and supports essential research — locally or as part of the global cancer movement.

Tip Not sure what programs to highlight? Ask your staff partner. They can help you identify the services most relevant to your audience and country.

Add a PUNCH Highlight a specific turning point. "As I walked my first survivor lap, I saw survivors at 3, 5, and 10 years. For the first time, I felt a deep sense of hope — I wasn't walking alone."

🎣 Sinker — the close

A story without a call to action is a wasted opportunity. This is your moment to save a life.

Sinker secrets

Appeal to emotion.
Keep it short.
Be positive, motivational, and energetic.

A powerful ending

End with a call to action — join Relay, form a team, donate, book a screening.
Restate your opening or your most powerful stat.
Thank your audience for their time and attention.

Example sinker "One in every eight women will experience breast cancer in her lifetime. That is why I am sharing my journey with you today. My wish is that no one else has to walk this path alone — and you can help make that true."

Using your voice

Your voice plays a major role in getting and keeping your audience's attention. No one should have to strain to hear you — and you shouldn't have to shout.

Speak up. If your voice is soft, check whether a microphone is available.
Use good diction. Enunciate clearly — don't mumble, don't speak while chewing gum.
Breathe normally. Write short sentences, just like you speak in ordinary conversation.
Speak pleasantly. Natural, normal, and warm.
Don't rush. Adjust the length of your story to fit the time you've been given.
Treat a dry throat with a small sip of room-temperature water. Avoid cold liquids and caffeine — they can irritate your vocal cords.

Eye contact

The eyes are the window to the soul — and the fastest way to connect with your audience.

Eye contact signals that you are relaxed, confident, and ready. Sweep the room side to side at the start — your eyes welcome the audience in. Then maintain that connection throughout.

Ozone Looking up at the ceiling or over their heads.

No Zone Looking down at notes or a script.

Go Zone Looking out and connecting directly.

It's okay to use notes — glance, then look back out. Never read.

Body language

Use good posture. Stand or sit erect — no slouching. (Good posture even improves your voice — try it.)
Don't lean on the podium. It makes you look tired and insecure.
Walk around naturally, don't pace. Casual movement holds attention. Weaving back and forth distracts.
Use facial expressions. Match them to what you're saying. It's okay to show emotion — this is your story.

Mannerism pitfalls

Playing with things. Empty your pockets so you don't jingle coins. Put down the pen.
Licking your lips or excessive blinking. Signs of nervousness — be aware and breathe through them.
Repeated meaningless hand gestures. Purposeful gestures emphasize; repetitive ones distract.

Visual aids & tech

Check your equipment before you go on.
Bring extra handouts in case the crowd is larger than expected.
Props — only if they're appropriate for the topic and audience.
PowerPoint? Always bring a hard copy, just in case.
Tech glitches happen. Be ready to adjust your presentation — your story doesn't need slides.

Top tips for the day of

Be well prepared — confidence follows preparation.
Practice in front of a mirror, family, or friends.
Try exercising before speaking to work off nerves.
Don't review your notes immediately before speaking — it spikes anxiety.
Avoid caffeine and cold drinks the day of.
Be aware of your attire and physical presentation.
Number your note cards if you use them.
Just relax. The audience wants you to succeed.

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