Tips for Nonprofits: Better Storytelling Advice

Here are some tips and better storytelling advice for your nonprofit organization:

1. Be Authentic

People are becoming increasingly aware that a brand or organization is targeting them or trying to sell something. This can cause side effects that discourage people from giving or buying. Always tell your stories in an authentic way.

2. Don’t Speak like a Salesman

Stories should be as humane as possible. Using advertising, clinical, or super-sector language may make it impossible for individuals to understand, connect, and empathize with the purpose of the story — and thus almost defeat the purpose of the story. It is important to make sure that your story is easy to understand and digest.

For example, a true story about someone in need is much more useful than a demographic story about “low-income families”. Think about it. . .

3. Stay Positive More than Negative

NGOs are working on major global issues, and it may be very difficult to talk about these issues. To make up for the darkness, you are adding something positive to the story (such as how your beneficiary overcame his or her problems or found a better place).