District 1 Staff MeetingMarch 10, 2010

District 1 Staff MeetingMarch 10, 2010

Storytelling: Advocating for Extension

Tell Me a Story

"Tell me a fact and I'll learn. Tell me the truth and I'll believe. But tell me a

story and it will live in my heart forever."

- Indian Proverb

"Tell me a fact and I'll learn. Tell me the truth and I'll believe. But tell me a

story and it will live in my heart forever."

- Indian Proverb

Communicating Impact Things we count

• Metrics• Indicators• Contacts• Quantifiables

Things we tell about• Changed behavior

• Increased knowledge

• Improved lives

Storytelling Works to: • Pass on traditions• Train, mentor &

coach• Empower• Recognize others• Spread the word• Have fun• Recruit• Market

• Develop managers• Introduce people• Start a meeting• Illustrate a concept• Get a point across• Start a conversation• Manage change• Advocate

Storytelling Themes• Mistakes and failures• Unexpected opportunities• Risks and rewards• Choices and consequences• Lessons learned• Obstacles and challenges• Advice from a mentor• Someone who inspired me

Storytelling Criteria• Tell something listeners may not know

• Have a clear and persuasive message

• Don’t be arrogant or self-serving

• Avoid sarcasm and negative comments

• Avoid preaching

Storytelling Criteria• Use an identifiable concept

• Relate to a current issue

• Communicate empathy or understanding

• Start a conversation

• Include humor

Types of Stories• Who I Am Stories

• Why I Am Here Stories

•  My Vision Story

• Teaching Stories

• Values in Action Stories

•  “I know what you are thinking” Stories

Storytelling Tips• Tell a personal story• Use books, fables, fairy tales & events• Tell a story about someone else• Be honest• Be sincere• Include a beginning, middle & end• Make the story visual

Storytelling Tips• Incorporate the five senses into your•  Make eye contact and gesture naturally •  Pause•  Speak clearly and breathe normally•  Practice telling your story out loud •  Use a story only when it is appropriate •  Create a bridge to the main message

Learning ApplicationDeveloping Your Extension Advocacy Story

Part I – Share a story about:• Someone who influenced you• How you became an Extension leader

Part II - Write Your Extension Story

Part III - Tell Your Extension Story

Summary

When you understand

…. that stories work

…. and what types of stories to tell

…. you can use your story

…. to tell the Extension story