An award-winning journalist, renowned radio and TV personality, and a media entrepreneur, Vasanthi Hariprakash excels in the art of storytelling.
She is the Founder-Editor of Pickle Jar, enabling people and organizations to tell their stories through text, video and voice. Fluent in five languages, she connects deeply with varied audiences, showcased notably through her widely acclaimed podcast ‘The Dosa King’ and columns for the Deccan Herald.
Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Vasanthi has been honored with numerous awards, including the prestigious Radio Excellence Award and the UNFPA-backed Laadli Award for Gender Sensitivity in Journalism. Vasanthi’s commitment to representing diverse voices strengthens her reputation as a skilled storyteller.
Our conversation with Vasanthi sheds light on the fascinating journey of a storyteller whose vibrant narratives resonate deeply with the audience, leading to impactful change.
Q. Do you find stories through your eyes or your heart?
A. I have never really dissected the process of storytelling. It’s taken me a while to embrace that storytelling is a gift. When people complimented my Facebook posts, I used to think, “I am just writing what I see.” But it’s a gift – like music or coding – it’s innate. It comes from my childhood, growing up in a joint family, surrounded by my grandmother, aunts, and cousins. These experiences shape you, and you become a keeper of countless stories.
Q. Where do you find your stories, and how do you feel about storytelling?
A. I believe that stories are everywhere – in us and all around us. We just need to breathe them in. I was highly inspired by my grandfather Mr. Rangarajan. He had exceptional narrative skills that could bring even the simplest anecdotes to life. Spending time with him, I too inherited these storytelling abilities. While working for Deccan Herald, I was considered as someone who could chat with a stone and draw out a story. Since then, this journey has continued.
Q. How can businesses humanize their stories and build connections?
A. Every business, whether it’s a unicorn or a startup, has a human emotion. Stories must touch universal emotions. Even the most technical product has a human aspect because it’s designed for people. For example, I once hosted a symposium on ethno-veterinary medicine to reduce antibiotic use. Despite the complex terms, the essence was about improving lives. That’s the key for any business – understanding and conveying the human impact. Simplify and connect with the human element at the heart of your story.
Q. Could you share a cheat sheet for creating compelling stories?
A. Sure. The cheat sheet for storytelling has three elements:
1. Define your business, product, or technology in simple terms.
2. Identify your target audience – who are you creating this for?
3. Focus on a specific example or person. For instance, if your audience includes senior citizens, tell a story through the eyes of a senior citizen. This personalization makes the story more relatable and powerful.
Q. What’s the final touch to make a story truly compelling?
A. The final touch to make a story truly compelling is making it personal, like you are talking to one individual. This makes your story relatable and impactful. Your audience always defines your story, not you. Simplify, get to the heart of it, and make it personal.