What is your process for staying skilled in philanthropic communication and storytelling?

1 Read and listen

One of the best ways to learn from others is to read and listen to their stories. You can find examples of inspiring and impactful philanthropic communication and storytelling in books, podcasts, blogs, newsletters, reports, and social media. Look for stories that capture your attention, move your emotions, and motivate you to act. Analyze what makes them effective, such as the use of language, tone, structure, imagery, data, and calls to action. Try to apply some of these techniques to your own communication and storytelling.

2 Practice and get feedback

Another way to improve your skills is to practice and get feedback. You can practice by writing or telling stories about your own philanthropic work, or by creating hypothetical scenarios for different audiences and purposes. You can also join online or offline communities of practice, where you can share your stories and get constructive feedback from other philanthropists, communicators, or storytellers. You can also seek feedback from your actual or potential stakeholders, such as donors, beneficiaries, partners, or media. Ask them what they liked, what they learned, and what they would do differently after hearing or reading your stories.

3 Learn and adapt

A third way to enhance your skills is to learn and adapt. You can learn by taking courses, workshops, webinars, or coaching sessions on philanthropic communication and storytelling. You can also read books, articles, or guides on the topic, or follow experts and influencers who share their insights and best practices. You can also adapt by staying updated on the latest trends, tools, and techniques in the field, and by experimenting with new formats, platforms, and styles. You can also monitor and measure the results of your communication and storytelling efforts, and use the data to improve your strategies and tactics.

4 Collaborate and co-create

A fourth way to boost your skills is to collaborate and co-create. You can collaborate by working with other philanthropists, communicators, or storytellers who have different skills, perspectives, or experiences than you. You can also co-create by involving your stakeholders in the process of developing and sharing your stories. You can ask them to contribute their ideas, opinions, or testimonies, or to help you spread your stories to their networks. By collaborating and co-creating, you can enrich your stories with diversity, authenticity, and relevance.

5 Reflect and celebrate

A fifth way to maintain your skills is to reflect and celebrate. You can reflect by taking time to review your communication and storytelling goals, challenges, and achievements. You can also celebrate by acknowledging your progress, recognizing your strengths, and rewarding yourself for your efforts. By reflecting and celebrating, you can appreciate your learning journey, identify your areas of improvement, and motivate yourself to keep growing.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?