How to Get Testimonials That Stick
Evoke Emotion With Powerful Questions
How to Uncover Stories That Move People to Action
Whether you're a business, nonprofit, or purpose-driven organization, your greatest asset isn't just what you do—it’s how you make people feel. And yet, most testimonials fall flat because they only describe the outcome—not the journey.
That’s where emotionally evocative storytelling comes in.
Why It Works:
Emotion builds connection. People buy into transformation, not just products or services.
Details drive credibility. Specific moments make stories feel authentic and trustworthy.
Narratives inspire action. When others see themselves in the story, they’re more likely to engage—whether by buying, donating, or reaching out.
Below is a set of tested questions designed to help you gather authentic, emotional testimonials that highlight real transformation:
💬 7 Questions That Unlock Powerful Testimonials
What challenges were you facing before connecting with us?
Can you describe a specific moment when you realized these challenges were holding you back?
How did that moment feel?How were those challenges affecting your daily life or mindset?
What did a typical day look like back then?
What emotions were you experiencing at the time?What positive changes have you experienced since receiving our support/services?
Can you recall a moment when you realized things were beginning to shift for the better?How do you feel now, compared to when you started?
If you could go back and speak to your past self, what would you say about your current situation?What stood out to you about your experience with us?
Was there a specific person, conversation, or moment that left a lasting impression? Why?What would you say to someone considering working with or seeking help from us?
What advice would you give to someone in a similar situation?Would you be comfortable with us sharing your story?
Your experience could inspire and encourage others. Would you be open to having your story shared in our materials?
📌 A Few Tips When Collecting Stories:
Genuine Emotion: Guide them to reflect on how they felt before, during, and after the transformation.
Specific Moments: Ask for real events, memories, or turning points that bring their story to life.
Descriptive Details: Encourage them to paint a picture of their experience.
Future-Focused Advice: Let their story inspire the next person who's on the fence.
✉️ Email Template: Invite Someone to Share Their Story
Subject: Share Your Story—Inspire Someone Else’s
Hi [Name],
Your journey with us has been nothing short of inspiring, and we’d be honored to share your story to help others understand the impact of what we do.
By sharing your experience, you could encourage someone who's hesitant to take that next step—and show potential supporters why this work matters.
We’ve put together 7 simple questions to guide you. It should only take 5–10 minutes to complete. Once you send your responses, I’ll create a short story summary and send it back for your approval before anything is published.
If you're open to participating, please reply by [Date].
Thank you so much—it means more than you know.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Organization Name]
