profile

Hi! I'm Lisa Weiss

The line between silence and oversharing

Published about 2 months ago • 1 min read

The Beat

April 2025

Have you ever overshared?

You're not alone.

Have you ever wondered: Should I share this story? Who can I trust? Is now the right time?

In my work, I’ve observed that the digital era's emphasis on going "viral" can cloud our storytelling judgment. We might feel pressured to post immediately, or silenced by indecision, both of which can lead to negative consequences.

I believe all stories are worthy, but some audiences haven't earned the right to hear yours.

For the past few years, I've been testing a framework called The Storytelling Compass to help people decide which stories to share and which to protect.

This month, I'll tell you more about the framework and how you can use it.

See the details under Spotlight and Don't Miss below!

Warmly,

Lisa Weiss
​The Beat​
A Newsletter by Storybeat Studio

In this issue:

​

Spotlight

The Storytelling Compass

Practice

Writing Prompts to Fuel Your Creativity

Don't Miss!

Download the Storytelling Compass

​

Spotlight

Introducing: The Storytelling Compass

​

Your stories are valuable assets. Whenever you share a personal or professional narrative, you make a choice that can impact your relationships, reputation and career. The Storytelling Compass can help you orient yourself within the complex landscape of personal and professional storytelling. It can help you decide what to share, with whom, and when.

​

By understanding the three circles of sharing—protect, curate, and share publicly—I hope you'll gain confidence in your storytelling decisions.

​

Continue on to the PRACTICE section to explore further.

​

​

Practice

Mindful Sharing:
3 Questions

In our monthly Practice section, discover writing prompts to help you transform thoughts into words on the page.

​

This month’s writing practice invites you to explore moments when you shared or held back a story:
​

  1. When was the last time you hesitated to share a personal or career-related story? What factors made you pause?
    ​
  2. Think of a time you shared something and later regretted it. What signals did you ignore?
    ​
  3. Recall a moment when you felt completely safe sharing a vulnerable story. What elements created that safety?

​

Don't Miss!

Download the Compass

Share Your Feedback!

​

Reply to this email and let me know what you think of The Storytelling Compass.

​

Hi! I'm Lisa Weiss

I'm a writer offering storytelling prompts, book and podcast recs, thought leadership insights and ideas to help you become more connected, engaged, and visible.

3X Emmy Award-winning producer, writer, and founder of Storybeat Studio.

Read more from Hi! I'm Lisa Weiss

Lisa Weiss May 29, 2025 What is Moral Ambition? Plus: Summer Reads, Movies and Shows Image Credit: Shauna Summers I'm not a fan of virtue signaling. Consider this example I witnessed recently while out on a walk: My daughter: Can I pet your dog? He's so cute. Dog person: Thank you. We adopted him from the shelter. My daughter: Can I pet him? Dog person: We really believe in rescuing, not buying. My daughter: So... can I pet your dog? My daughter just wanted to know if the dog was friendly....

25 days ago • 4 min read
[Rosa Parks] "Poor Peoples March at Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, [Washington, D.C.]" Original black and white negative by Warren K. Leffler. Taken June 19th, 1968, Washington D.C, United States Washington D.C, United States (@libraryofcongre

The Beat March 2025 Are You a Noble Winner? Rosa Parks, June 19th, 1968. Image Credit: Unseen Histories Our current President has a history of calling people losers. It's part of his rhetoric. "I never want to be called a loser," Trump said in 2019 before denying he lost the 2020 election. You may be uncomfortable with the terms "winner" and "loser." I know I am. However, this month, I read an essay that deepened my understanding. I'm excited to share it with you. Find more in Spotlight,...

3 months ago • 3 min read
The wooden "Chicken Sh*t Chair," image credit: Shelby Pollard

The Beat February 2025 The Chicken Sh*t Chair salvaging The family tree - featuring laura ratke Image Credit: Shelby Pollard I have a soft spot for objects with a story—and a great name. That’s why Laura’s tale of her Chicken Sh*t Chair immediately caught my eye. This month, you’ll learn how an old wooden chair earned its colorful name and became a symbol of love, legacy, and, yes, a few chickens. It’s a sweet, unexpected story that just might bring a little extra joy to your day (I know I...

4 months ago • 3 min read