Tell Me a Story the power of storytelling Sr. Kathleen Lunsmann, IHM, CFRE President, SOAR! Bonnie O’Neill Meyer, CFRE Meyer Partners, LLC
Tell me a story 1Why stories? 2What makes a great story? 3Real life stories & winning appeals 4Practical tips
Top 5 Reasons Why …
Why stories? Reason #5 Stories are how we get to know one another.
Why Stories? Reason #4 People remember stories.
Why Stories? Reason #3 Stories convey wisdom … insights.
Why Stories? Reason #2 Stories build brand.
Why stories? 5. Stories are how we get to know one another. 4. People remember stories. 3. Stories convey wisdom … insights. 2. Stories build brand. 1. Stories lead people to act.
Made to Stick. A credible idea makes people believe. An emotional idea makes people care. The right stories make people act. Chip Heath and Dan Heath, Made to Stick
Nonprofit Storytelling Bring the impact of your mission, vision and programs to life.
Tell me a story
What makes a great story? Name Details Quotes Actions that paint a picture Strong lead Sequence of narrative creates curiosity Conversational language Concrete nouns Clarity Relevance to core values
Our Stories
Sister Peg
Regina Laudis
Cenacle Sisters
Thanksgiving
Saving William
Five Practical Tips C ollect (find) stories rich with detail. O wn the story: adapt for spokesperson. A ction: active verbs paint the picture. C olor: use real quotes from real people. H ook.
Bonus How-to’s Write fast Edit slow Read your story out loud
Philanthropy & Storytelling Circulate stories with staff. Make storytelling a part of your culture of philanthropy.
The end.