Effective Storytelling

1
Effective Storytelling

• With Michelle Ubben

2
Origins of Storytelling
3
Modern Storytelling

• Books
• Movies
• Television
• Journalists
• The WWW

4
Purpose of Storytelling

• To entertain
• To persuade
• To convey an idea
• To record history
• To change policy

5
Preparing to tell a Story

• Identify your target audience
• Focus on your objective
• Pick your theme

6
Choosing a story

• Does it evoke emotion?
• Are you passionate about it?
• Does it make a point?
• Does it tie into your advocacy?

7
Elements of a good story

• Setting Sounds, smells, sights
• Characters Protagonist/Antagonist
• A crisis or challenge that must be overcome
• A twist
• A resolution

8
Story sequence
9
Storytelling as advocacy

• Why is it important?
• Why should I care?
• Whats at stake?
• Whats the solution?

10
Where to tell your story

• Legislative testimony
• Media interviews
• Op-eds and LTEs
• Social media
• Public speaking to engage support

11
The Media as Storytellers

• Put a human face on an abstract issue
• Stoke emotion
• Move people to action

12
Stories that moved people to action Explore
Adoption
13
Stories that changed policy

• Sentiment grows for ban
• on texting while driving

14
Stories that deliver the unexpected

• Death penalty opponents ask committee to end it

15
Stories that prod the conscience

• No resentment, Rosewood survivors say

16
Brainstorm 2009 Legislative Session

• Clinical Laboratories Bill SB 408/HB 53

17
Brainstorm 2009 Legislative Session

• ARNP Controlled Substance Prescribing SB 426

18
Brainstorm 2009 Legislative Session

• RN Staffing in Hospitals HB 463

19
Brainstorm 2009 Legislative Session

• Safe Patient Handling SB 626

20
Everyone is a storyteller

• Tell yours to maximum advantage!