In the first two editions of this storytelling guide we’ve addressed how to tell your story using different oral storytelling styles, and “The Why” of telling your story to different audiences. In this third installment we want to take a moment to address the importance of telling your story. 

There are always two distinct groups who you want to aim to influence with your story: they are your audience and your target. In the second part of our three-part series on live storytelling, we cover four audience groups for movement organizers to consider.

Taking the stage to tell a story is no easy feat, but who you’re talking to could determine the amount of nerves you may have.

Terrell Blount, executive director of FICGN, is a case study in how to leverage LinkedIn for thought leadership beyond topics usually associated with the platform.

Talking with media–including interviews on radio, broadcast and print news, podcasts and more–is a big part of social change work. When we talk about saturating the public conversation with an idea and gathering many voices to advance this idea, or polyvocality, we know from experience that you need to share your ideas in the media to achieve both. Not having a lot of control over the content that’s produced can be challenging. But that doesn’t mean you can’t head into that interview prepared and ready to share stories that uplift helpful narratives.

Word Force works with Changemaker organizations that focus on issues at every level — from the local stage to the global one. Last year, Megan Izen met with Coalition for Human Rights in Development in Cartagena, Colombia to support them during a major planned convening of coalition members. Read more.

What’s the difference between a narrative style guide and a messaging guide? Word Force Co-Editor Megan Izen walks you through the basics with examples and templates.

Before you put pen to paper on your narrative change strategy it’s important to have a good sense of the narrative landscape.

When we're in the writer's room with social change practitioners, the first thing we ask is: who is your audience and what is your target? Getting these two right is the key to building power and influence to achieve your goals.

The Word Force Narrative Style Guide is a tool to help your organization drill down on the narrative change you are advocating for through your movement work.