District 1 Staff Meeting March 10, 2010 Storytelling: Advocating for Extension
Dec 28, 2015
District 1 Staff MeetingMarch 10, 2010
District 1 Staff MeetingMarch 10, 2010
Storytelling: Advocating for Extension
Tell Me a Story
"Tell me a fact and I'll learn. Tell me the truth and I'll believe. But tell me a
story and it will live in my heart forever."
- Indian Proverb
"Tell me a fact and I'll learn. Tell me the truth and I'll believe. But tell me a
story and it will live in my heart forever."
- Indian Proverb
Communicating Impact Things we count
• Metrics• Indicators• Contacts• Quantifiables
Things we tell about• Changed behavior
• Increased knowledge
• Improved lives
Storytelling Works to: • Pass on traditions• Train, mentor &
coach• Empower• Recognize others• Spread the word• Have fun• Recruit• Market
• Develop managers• Introduce people• Start a meeting• Illustrate a concept• Get a point across• Start a conversation• Manage change• Advocate
Storytelling Themes• Mistakes and failures• Unexpected opportunities• Risks and rewards• Choices and consequences• Lessons learned• Obstacles and challenges• Advice from a mentor• Someone who inspired me
Storytelling Criteria• Tell something listeners may not know
• Have a clear and persuasive message
• Don’t be arrogant or self-serving
• Avoid sarcasm and negative comments
• Avoid preaching
Storytelling Criteria• Use an identifiable concept
• Relate to a current issue
• Communicate empathy or understanding
• Start a conversation
• Include humor
Types of Stories• Who I Am Stories
• Why I Am Here Stories
• My Vision Story
• Teaching Stories
• Values in Action Stories
• “I know what you are thinking” Stories
Storytelling Tips• Tell a personal story• Use books, fables, fairy tales & events• Tell a story about someone else• Be honest• Be sincere• Include a beginning, middle & end• Make the story visual
Storytelling Tips• Incorporate the five senses into your• Make eye contact and gesture naturally • Pause• Speak clearly and breathe normally• Practice telling your story out loud • Use a story only when it is appropriate • Create a bridge to the main message
Learning ApplicationDeveloping Your Extension Advocacy Story
Part I – Share a story about:• Someone who influenced you• How you became an Extension leader
Part II - Write Your Extension Story
Part III - Tell Your Extension Story
Summary
When you understand
…. that stories work
…. and what types of stories to tell
…. you can use your story
…. to tell the Extension story