We've been discussing and building Module 4: The Art of Storytelling as part of NTEN's We Are Media: Social Media Starter Kit for Nonprofits project. After putting together your nonprofit's social media map and addressing internal resistance, you are now ready to consider how you will share your nonprofit's story. This module will cover why storytelling is an essential component of your strategy, how to compose effective stories, and look at excellent examples of nonprofit storytelling in a social media strategy.
We've already discussed why storytelling is important in any medium for nonprofits to use in their fundraising and marketing efforts. And in a social media strategy as Alanna points out, stories help build momentum, energize, and can help bring your organization's mission to live. As Stephen Downes mentions stories capture our attention and points to Jason Ohler's storytelling work in an educational context. Ohler says "good stories hypnotize us."
Agreed, but how? What is an easy, simple framework we can use to tell our organization's story's effectively?
From page 87 in Jason Ohler's excellent book - Digital StoryTelling in the Classroom
I found this resource by Jason Ohler on the art of storytelling. In particular, I like the Visual Portrait of Story for its simplicity. There's been a burst of activity over at the wiki from people offering resources and techniques about effective storytelling practice, including:
- Peter Cook has several favorites, including these videos by Ira Glass of This American Life explaining storytelling techniques and Barry Cook's summary presentation "How To Tell A Powerful Story". (The meat is on pages 2-3).
- EaitKen1 (Elaine whoever you are, thank you) recommends Stephen Denning's Springboard which looks at Storytelling at the World Bank as well as in a corporate context.
- CCTV wiki has some excellent resources.
- My own particular favorite, particularly for nonprofits, and recommend by Drew Bernard is from Andy GoodmanWhy Bad Presentations Happen to Good Causes. I had an opportunity to meet Andy Goodman last fall and the NTEN Webinar I attended with Andy Goodman in 2006 dramatically changed my whole approach to presentations.
What's your favorite step-by-step approach to thinking through your story? What are some of the best resources, tutorials, or blog posts? Add them to the WeAreMedia wiki or in the comments.
unable to open the pdf's mentioned the article I do have Acrobat 8 Professional
great article and good job
Posted by: mireille | July 25, 2008 at 11:28 PM