Here's how you can inspire action and mobilize communities through creative storytelling.

Always think of the stories you craft as great explainers. Ask yourself—how does this story explain a concern or issue. How does this story “make it plain”. Never take a story for granted. It is a precious part of a human life. Respect the story, honor its source.

In my experience those less fortunate are inspired by individuals who can share in their intimate manner mistakes they have made and how they have overcome. For myself this method has seem to be most beneficial because there is an authenticity that comes from pain and this who have experienced it can feel when you’re being honest. I like to empower people through storytelling because it gives an individual the power to take ownership in their life and rewrite their story. As a person who has made several mistakes it is only because of the belief of others I was able to change my life. I believe in giving other the same opportunity, the world needs more heroes!

Yes! I was reading a study published in the?Journal of Business and Psychology? that concluded when organizations encourage employees to step into others’ perspectives (such as through storytelling) it can create a “lasting positive effect on diversity-related outcomes?by increasing individuals’ internal motivation to respond without prejudice.”

As a storyteller who writes, I have been exploring how to take that into the public speaking realm. My mentor, Dr. James Smith, recently shared the following important elements of presenting: 1. Your room is your residence - be comfortable and own the space. 2. Responsibility is a two-way street, make sure you have an agreement with your audience. 3. Dance like nobody's watching - be in the present. 4. You are doomed if you simply dump content on your audience. 5. The learning elevator goes up and down, timing is essential. 6. Keep change in your pocket... when things don't go as planned, be prepared to change with a backup.

Según mi experiencia, la mejor manera de aprender es ense?ar, especialmente cuando lo haces por vocación, con amor. Siempre se aprende ense?ando.

Creative storytelling is at the heart of ancestral knowledge, of the oral tradition that helps define our past and define who we are now in important ways. Keeping storytelling alive is how ensure our own survival.

Un poco lo que decía en el punto anterior, dar belleza al relato intentando no caer el lugares comunes, ser honestos y genuinos con la historia.

One of the most helpful tools is to be genuine and real. Just tell your story and be sure to resonate with your audience and use strong words like community, unity and strength.

Concentrarse en lo que uno quiere destacar de la historia, mostrar la fuerza, la esencia de la misma, para hacer un foco potente de atención...no te vayas por las ramas.

Hoy estamos atrapados en un mundo del NO SENTIR, pareciera ser que demostrar emociones es signo de debilidad. Pero cuando te atreves a expresar lo que sientes aprendes a calibrarlo, así se abre la posibilidad del aprendizaje. Al entender lo que pasa en tu interior has dado el primer paso para entender la emocionalidad de otros, para avanzar hacia la verdadera empatía.

Be aware of trauma dumping when sharing an emotional part of a story. Sharing a story is often personal, but it reminds you of the value of sharing this particular story. Connect the story to the task or action at hand.

Recently, I have started learning the art of pitching. Deciding to start a company wasn't an easy lift on its own, and neither is sharing it with others. How to sound convincing but not manipulative? How to convict and move someone and not just convince? How to not ramble? It makes me wish I had taken more public speaking classes - and I always thought I was a ~good speaker. I believe the ability to craft a narrative can aid in helping founders and innovators share thoughts more effectively, connect with listeners and break down the ask in a way that feels familiar. I wonder these days how I will approach pitching in the future, but I believe it will always have a narrative lens - as a way for others to see the mission along with me.

Show, not tell! Ensure your story is not filler out, and be honest and descriptive. The story doesn't have to be a novel, but it's always helpful when you can bring the audience with you through imagery.

Piensa no solo en el final de la historia que cuentas sino en diversos posibles finales, brinda opciones, cierra con preguntas para invitar a la acción.

One thing with any promotional material, it is helpful to have a set phrase your audience can refer back to— that embodies the message being shared. This simple technique is widely used and makes the story accessible. It also prevents the message from being watered down or misinterpreted. Also, initially I read this as ‘wisely,’ which evokes a need to be selective with your audience. To a certain extent, you do want to be wise— in terms of receptivity. However, with sharing widely, being wise can also look like sharing to garnish interactions. Be it a positive or a negative reaction, at the end of the day it is still exposure and that is free publicity. So welcome both!

Piensa en tu historia y como estable es gui?os en las distintas redes sociales para que quieran ir a leer más. Busca donde sería una buena oportunidad para mostrarte.

I've seen where momentum building happens when we speak of victories...big and small. We should share those victories in our stories to give the audience a glimpse of hope and valor.

One thing l have found helpful is educate people in communities on the value of sharing experiences and learning from each other, a story shared is a stigma half resolved.

Involve members of the community for whom the program is being offered in key roles during the design and implementation of the program. Their insights into the community culture, functional strengths and challenges are extremely valuable, and can make or break its success.