building a culture of storytelling steve edwards coordinator of policy, records management and...

Building a Culture of Storytelling

Steve Edwards

Coordinator of Policy, Records Management and Communications

“Everything begins with a story.”

-- Joseph Campbell,

American mythologist, writer and lecturer

What I’ve Learned:

You will feel lost.You need to laugh.You must be honest.There are no normal kids.Teachers are humble.

Stories are a critical element of any effective communications program.

Stories are the fundamental building block of communication.

Stories are authentic human experiences that connect us.

Stories create emotion and are remembered.

“Stories have power. They delight, enchant, touch,

teach, recall, inspire, motivate, challenge. They help us understand. They

imprint a picture on our minds. Want to make a

point or raise an issue? Tell a story.” - Janet Litherland, author

Building a Culture of Storytelling

Get buy-In from your Superintendent/ leadership team

Building a Culture of Storytelling

Get buy-In from your Superintendent/ leadership team

Make it easy to share stories

Building a Culture of Storytelling

Get buy-In from your Superintendent/ leadership team

Make it easy to share storiesMake stories visible

Building a Culture of Storytelling

Get buy-In from your Superintendent/ leadership team

Make it easy to share storiesMake stories visibleModel the culture of storytelling you want

to create

Storytelling Tips

Stories are about peopleLet the characters speak Make it engagingRemember the emotionShow, don’t tellHave an “Aha” momentHave a clear meaning

The Benefits

Creating a positive atmosphere Building understanding Raising awareness about challenges

CLICK HERE to view A.J.’s Story

Stories can help draw attention to the many positive things in our

schools that are overlooked.

Start today- Share a story.

Steve EdwardsFrederick County Public Schools (Va.)

Coordinator of Policy, Records Management and Communications

edwardss@frederick.k12.va.us540-662-3888 x88235