Episode #283
Want a quick way to turn a boring sentence into an engaging story?
It started with an urgent email.
My friend needed my help turning a fact filled sentence into an engaging story for donors. In this week’s video, I’ll share a simple little formula that will help you turn your boring sentences into energetic little stories.
If you want to take your storytelling to an even deeper level, then join me at the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference.
If you have any stories or advice around creating engaging stories, please share it with everyone else. Leave a comment under the video. Thanks.
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If you have any stories or advice around creating engaging stories, please share it with everyone else. Leave a comment. Thanks. 🙂
Chris – Love the Monday videos, always a good way to get the weekend behind me and focused on what’s ahead. I’d suggest that if facts are one-dimensional and facts with feeling are two-dimensional then facts with feeling in a visually pleasing manner are three dimensional and optimal for engagement. The right layout and/or the right picture engage donors even more deeply than words alone. So, if its going to be printed or posted, add something visually enticing to draw in readers to an even deeper emotional connection.
“Tap into a past experience your donor has had.” Love this advice!
Is there a “Tommy” and does it matter?
I always enjoy Movie Mondays but this one is particularly helpful and in only a few minutes. Thanks Chris. So sorry I won’t be able to take advantage of the Conference-it’s way too expensive for our small organization. Maybe we can plan for it sometime in the future. Meanwhile more short videos that are like this one are welcome.
I have been working with my leadership council on rehearsing their stories, out loud for the group in preparation for our fundraiser in September. It’s a stretch for some folks but they know that rehearsing what they want to say to individuals or groups can make all the difference in a presentation.
Board members can also use this formula to tell their own personal story –
“Here’s the need I saw in the world that had me get involved with this organization.
Here’s a moment when I personally witnessed the impact this organization is having.
I’ve been investing in this organization as a donor, volunteer and Board member for the past 5 years, and here is how it’s been personally meaningful and rewarding to me.”
Hi Chris,
This is great advice and very well illustrated. I work for a conservation organisation though and our work is very research intensive and scientific. I struggle to create a personal element in my communications or to tap into the personal experience of a donor.
Can you help? Anyone?
Thanks!
Have you ever been asked to close your eyes and imagine yourself in a place that brings you peace and tranquility? I always think of floating on an inner tube on the lake in front of my grandparent’s cottage in northern Wisconsin, the blue sky spread out above me like a banner. What spot do you think of?
With your help, ABC Organization is keeping places like this from becoming distant memories. (Description of place rescued by ABC with details that appeal to sight, sound, smell).
I just tried your formula I know it will help when it comes time to write those request and thank you letters. I am on the board of CT. Storytelling Center, we know stories now we are using their power in our fundraising campaigns. Your video was simple and concise, thanks! I’ve ordered a journal to carry with me. Here is my sample, it could use some tweaking but this was just for practice.
The classroom was sweltering, third graders wriggled and squirmed. A storyteller began a classic tale, the room hushed. Sarah sat in rapt attention, after the story she commented, “Billy’s epiphany in the story was like ours when we realized it is cooler with the lights off.” Our storytellers can continue to be Bridges to Literacy with your help.
Thanks Chris! Carolyn Stearns
Excellent example with it being from a thank you or follow-up letter. Many of us will already be familiar with the concept that as fundraisers we are not trying to get money off people we are trying to engage the donor directly with the cause and then provide a means by which they can directly help that cause. However, all too often we then forget this mantra when it comes to thank you letters, or progress reports or annual reports and we become too factual, forgetting the need to link the donor and their experiences with the recipients and their experiences not just during the ask but at every point in communication and stewarship. Excellent video, Chris. Thank you.