How to tell greatStories for change

Stories are powerful.

56%of individuals who respond to a

nonprofit call to action cite being motivated

by compelling storytelling

B U I L D I N G B L O C K S O F A S T O R Y

Stories should contain a single, compelling

character that is relatable to the audience and who is

comfortable relaying specific details, memories

and experiences.

An Effective Character

AuthenticityStories should show—rather

than tell—the audience about the character’s

transformation, using rich details and featuring the

character’s own voice, without jargon.

Stories should chronicle something that happens—an experience, a journey, a transformation, a discovery.

Trajectory

Stories should convey emotions that move people

to act, and marry these with clear, easy-to-find

pathways to get them to those desired actions.

Action-Oriented Emotions

A HookStories should capture the

audience’s attention as quickly as possible, giving

them a sense of whose story it is and what’s at stake.

T H E T R I P L E B O T T O M L I N E

The Nonprofit Storyteller’s

Triple Bottom Line

How do our storiesempower the people

we intend to help?

Will you let them speak for themselves?

How do our storiescreate a healthier

social sector?

Do they make people feel hopeful and powerful?

Do our storiesmove people to give?

Do they help us build long-term relationships with

supporters?

H O W T O Y O U U S E Y O U R S T O R Y

Your emails, your social media, how you talk to a stranger, how to convey your work to a funder or board member.

Your story shows and shares your organization’s impact.

Stories can be used everywhere

H O M E W O R K

1. Pick a story from your life you know well

2. In pairs, each person tells their story in 3 min

3. Now tell that same story in 1min

4. Repeat at 30secs and 15secs

5. Discuss with your partner which lengths were the hardest + easiest

Story Speed Game