Your story needs to have a point: In a nonprofit context if you're telling a story you should always ensure that your story has a point. Telling stories without a point is a waste of time and sometimes might get your listeners wondering off in a different direction than what you intended. By ensuring that your story makes a point and being really clear with your audience about what that point is you have a better chance of getting the information or the idea across. People will find value in your story only when you are able to make a point.
Use the power of specific language to improve your story: Not only do you need to have a point, you also need to be specific in your stories: Specificity can draw a more concrete picture of what you're doing in the mind of the listener and it's very important to storytelling because it makes your story more believable and more alive. Always be specific in your stories, especially when it comes to details you desire your listeners to remember.
If your story is going to be a long one then the payoff needs to be bigger as well: The longer the story the bigger the payoff needs to be. Otherwise people are going to be bored out of their skulls and there will be unrest.
Let your story have a personal touch: People care about other people. Great, emotional brand storytelling must be told through the lens of a person: a specific customer, a passionate employee, or a dedicated partner. Every great organization’s story must be anchored in a human story and told through a personal human lens.
Don’t be the center of every story you tell: What I mean here is, you don’t need to be the hero of every story you tell. One of the best ways you can avoid being the hero of every story you tell is by letting somebody else be the hero of the story. When you're tell a story where someone else is the hero you are great for getting out of the way and bringing to light something that is beautiful. Let others be the center of the stories you tell, this will show your care for the involvement of others and your willingness to learn from others beside yourself.
Personal Stories should be told truthfully: When we tell stories that are personal stories we need to tell the truth. Every day, we have the choice to tell the truth or not, but telling the truth is a very good habit. If you always speak the truth, you can save yourselves from lots of trouble! A genuine narrative is more likely to connect with listeners than one without a shred of truth. Transparency celebrates your uniqueness and acknowledges the human aspect of your brand.
Plan your story with the listener’s involvement in mind: When coming up with a story, think of ways you might get your listeners involved. Instead of just having the pictures literally put before their eyes the listener need to get involved within the story and they need to do some work and form the pictures themselves. Creating your story with the listener in mind is very crucial. People like to be a part of stories. Your listeners can be characters in your brand. Come up with ways to get your audience involved. So, always think of ways you will get your listeners involved in your story.
Keep your story simple: Some of the most successful and memorable stories are relatively simple and straightforward. Therefore, don’t let needless details to detract from your core message, rather do your best to be simple in the stories you share with your listeners.
Always have a call to action in your stories: I believe you should always finish your with a call to action. It’s very important to provide your listeners with an opportunity to do something about what they’ve heard from you.
Thank you for reading this Blog Post. I do hope it was of value to you and if you want more resources regarding storytelling please feel free to browse through the STORYTELLING CATEGORY. Or in case you might have any questions don’t hesitate to connect with me. Stay blessed always.
