Empowering 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 Application Developing 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.