1. NAMI Smarts for Advocacy: Telling Your Story Module One NAMI Smarts for Advocacy Rev Oct 2013
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2. Agenda Why your story is important Tips for telling your story
Listen to an example
What makes a story “work”
Write your own story
Practice your story and feedback
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3. Why tell your story?
Because every American who experiences mental illness deserves the opportunity for recovery
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4. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
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5. real stories change hearts and minds
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6. But, some stories are more effective than others
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7. We’ll start with some tips for telling your story…
Your audience is not your therapist
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8. Keep it brief—stick to the highlights
Tip #2
Keep it brief—stick to the highlights
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9. Emotion should move—not overwhelm
Tip #3
Emotion should move—not overwhelm
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10. Tip #4
Motivate with
hope and recovery
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11. Tip #5
Make an “ask” I
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12. With our tips in mind, let’s get started…
Listen to our guest story
Notice your reactions as you listen
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13. Let’s look at what makes our sample story work…
Look at the first sample story
Compare it with your Seven Steps checklist
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14. Write your own story…
Use your Story Practice Sheet to write your story
Refer to your Seven Steps checklist and sample stories for help
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15. Practice sharing your story…
Get in a group of three
Take turns sharing your stories
Give and receive constructive feedback to strengthen your impact
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16. What was effective?
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