In 2022, we are overwhelmed by data. In many cases, organizations can become crippled by a slew of data and a lack of insight into what the data means and how they can use it.
While using data points to support your claims is crucial, it isn’t enough to throw data at your stakeholders and compel them to change their behavior. Prioritizing storytelling can help your target audiences recognize a problem or opportunity – and allow them to feel inclined to involve themselves in its solution.
NST has a tried and tested approach to behavioral communications storytelling that can persuade audiences to act on a desired behavior by appealing to human emotion and motivation.
So, how do you develop your storytelling skills and pull your organization out of its data slump?
- Consider sharing an anecdote that illustrates your key message or is an example of the data you’re presenting.
- Use someone else’s story – in storytelling. It’s okay to borrow someone else’s story if it communicates your key message — we promise it’s not stealing.
- Develop an analogy, which is particularly helpful when dealing with a complex subject or issue.
- Share a success story from your past work (and use data to back it up).
- Avoid rambling. Practice making your points succinctly.
- Be emotionally invested in your organization’s story. If you’re not invested, how can you expect your stakeholders to invest their time … or their dollars?
While storytelling is expected for media interviews and group presentations, the above techniques can be useful in a variety of other settings – from internal one-on-one meetings to new business pitches
If you’re looking to become a better storyteller on behalf of your organization or are looking to develop your organization’s story to elicit behavior change, we can help. Contact us to learn more.
