Summer Institute for Communications and Marketing Pre-Institute Sessions-SBeaver_The Art of Storytelling

SBeaver_The Art of Storytelling_2023

Pdf Summary

This document explores the importance of storytelling in the work of fundraisers and advancement professionals. It highlights that stories are meaningful, memorable, and create personal connections. Stories have the power to alter beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge, and they can reframe our thinking. The document emphasizes the importance of positioning the donor as the hero in the story and how their act of giving provides a sense of well-being. It also discusses the Creative Equation, which consists of resonance and demonstration, as a way to motivate donors to give.<br /><br />The document suggests that storytelling is strategic and listening to the stories of donors can help align their priorities with the organization's mission. It proposes incorporating values and using photos to enhance emotional connections with potential donors. Consistency is key in storytelling efforts, and the document provides storytelling tips such as being clear and succinct, avoiding "salesy" language, and engaging the senses.<br /><br />Case studies are presented, with Charity: Water highlighted as a nonprofit organization that excels at storytelling. The document emphasizes the importance of including facts and transparency to provide evidence of impact.<br /><br />The key takeaways from the document include the fulfillment of donor aspirations, making the donor the hero, the brain's predisposition for storytelling, the strategic nature of storytelling, and the importance of consistency and facts.

Keywords

importance of storytelling

fundraisers

advancement professionals

personal connections

donor as hero

Creative Equation

strategic storytelling

alignment with mission

Charity: Water

evidence of impact