The Power of Storytelling

Introductions… Stacey Murton, Communications Officer Robert Eagle, Beneficiary Ambassador Deonne Peters, Beneficiary Ambassador Mark Evans , Expert Citizen Paul Skellet, Expert Citizen

The plan… Thoughts on storytelling Examples of storytelling The audience The risks

What is storytelling? ANYTHING …within reason!

It could be… A quote A blog A case study A conversation A presentation A video A recording A meeting A letter A phone call A news story A passing comment A word A book A photo (and text)

What can storytelling do? Change perceptions Engage Start a conversation …change systems?

Who can tell a story? YOU …and everyone else!

Making an impact A photo + words (however brief) can make a big impact. Look at the four photos on your table What assumptions do you make as a group from each photo? 5 minutes 3. Add the words to the photo you think they match

Using photos and quotes at Opportunity Nottingham… During a storytelling session (with Sounddelivery) we explored photography and quotes. Initially there was nervousness and some concern. By the end of the session there was a sense of empowerment... “It’s not just me” “It felt good to share”

Using photos and quotes at Opportunity Nottingham…

Using photos and quotes at Opportunity Nottingham…

What does a story ‘sound’ like? It can be personal and specific It can be generic Either way it can be powerful…

Some good examples… The personal approach Humans of New York (humansofnewyork.com) 10,000+ photos and stories of people in New York City (and now other locations) in the form of a photography blog. 18 million Facebook page likes! MIND (mind.org.uk) User-led blog content ‘Real’ people can post about their journey

Some good examples… The generic approach #TheHomelessPeriod Aims to make sanitary products available through shelters. Over 100,000 signatures. Big social following. National media coverage. Raised in Parliament.

Depaul UK supports people who are homeless. Nightstop UK helps homeless young people to find a safe place to stay one night at a time. This 2015 campaign appeared live on BBC News, national radio and over 70 blogs – reaching est. 6 million people. £0 ad spend!

The power of being ‘real’ However… in today’s landscape, ‘real’ stories can be more powerful. They add an emotive element and allow for connection. At Opportunity Nottingham we have found that the most powerful storytelling is organic. It comes from conversation with our Beneficiaries and Expert Citizens. A short video example…

Who is listening to the story? Different audiences need different approaches. Using the headers on the paper on your table, think about the following… The most appropriate storytelling technique A member of the project team who might tell the story 5 minutes

There will be challenges… Consent – Have you got it? Are you covered? Relapse – Will this impact the story? Support – Is it in place? Family – Does everyone know the story? Will anyone be put at risk? Social media – don’t forget the risks

The legacy… Through storytelling, we can ensure the legacy of the Fulfilling Lives Programme lasts ‘forever’… A digital footprint Stories that continue to inform future decision-makers Stories that keep the ‘real’ experience alive Stories that show positive change A National Communications approach will help to get us there!

The Storytelling Wall Remember… storytelling doesn’t need to be detailed. Just a few words can have a big impact. 1. Take a post it note 2. Write a short sentence about you/your story and stick it to the wall.

Any questions? www.opportunitynottingham.co.uk