Empowering Advisory Board Members Storytelling: Advocating for Extension
Dec 28, 2015
Empowering Advisory Board MembersEmpowering Advisory Board Members
Storytelling: Advocating for Extension
Tell Me a Story
Learning Goals• Identify three reasons for telling stories to
advocate for Extension
• Identify six types of stories
• Develop a story to advocate for Extension
"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
Storytelling Helps• Pass on traditions• Train, mentor &
coach• Empower• Recognize others• Spread the word• Have fun• Recruit• Market & advocate
• Develop managers• Introduce people• Start a meeting• Illustrate a concept• Get a point across• Begin a
conversation• Manage change
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 that the listeners’ may not
know
• Have a clear and persuasive message
• Avoid content that is 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 since.• Include a beginning, middle & end• Make the story visualize
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 the reasons for telling stories and when you know what types of stories to tell you can begin to
develop your personal Extension advocacy story.