Today is National Tell A Story Day. All across the U.S. and the UK, people are telling stories to delight, honor, remember, entertain, imagine…and make a difference as advocates, spokespersons and champions. #NationalTellAStoryDay

What better time to recall the Five Qualities of a Well-Told Advocacy Story?

1

• FOCUS IT •

The more tightly you link your Story to goals and key messages, the more successful your advocacy. Don’t cross your fingers and hope listeners will “get it”; connect the dots for them and make your intent crystal clear.

2

• POINT IT FORWARD •

Your advocacy story should always point to the positive change in you and the positive change you want to see. Give listeners tangible, hopeful reasons to care or act.

3

• CRAFT IT •

Apply basic storytelling craft to your life experiences. Edit, rearrange scenes and use expressive language to engage your listeners in the world of your personal story.

4

• FRAME IT •

Use framing statements to help listeners receive your story as you intend. Tell them what your story is–and what it is not: “This is about justice.” “This is just one story among thousands.”

5

• PRACTICE IT •

Being natural, genuine and confident takes practice. Give yourself time. Start easy. Speak out early and often.