How can you use creative storytelling to communicate the value of your event to stakeholders?

1 Define your story

The first step to use creative storytelling to communicate the value of your event is to define your story. Your story is the core of your event communication strategy. It should answer the following questions: What is the goal of your event? Why does it matter? Who is it for? How will it make a difference? What is the main challenge or opportunity that your event addresses? Your story should be clear, concise, and compelling. It should also align with your brand identity, your event vision, and your stakeholder expectations.

2 Craft your message

The second step to use creative storytelling to communicate the value of your event is to craft your message. Your message is the way you convey your story to your stakeholders. It should highlight the benefits, outcomes, and emotions that your event will deliver. It should also address the needs, interests, and pain points of your audience. To craft your message, you need to consider the following elements: your tone, your language, your hook, your call to action, and your proof. Your tone should be consistent with your brand voice and your event theme. Your language should be simple, engaging, and relevant. Your hook should capture the attention and curiosity of your audience. Your call to action should inspire them to take the next step, such as registering, donating, or sharing. Your proof should demonstrate the credibility and value of your event, such as testimonials, statistics, or case studies.

3 Choose your medium

The third step to use creative storytelling to communicate the value of your event is to choose your medium. Your medium is the channel or format that you use to deliver your message to your stakeholders. It should suit your story, your message, and your audience. You can use different mediums for different purposes and stages of your event communication plan. Some examples of mediums are: website, email, social media, video, podcast, blog, brochure, flyer, presentation, or infographic. You should choose your medium based on the following criteria: your budget, your time, your resources, your reach, and your impact.

4 Deliver your story

The fourth and final step to use creative storytelling to communicate the value of your event is to deliver your story. Your delivery is the way you present your message and your medium to your stakeholders. It should be effective, engaging, and memorable. To deliver your story, you need to consider the following aspects: your timing, your frequency, your consistency, your feedback, and your evaluation. Your timing should be appropriate for your event cycle and your audience preferences. Your frequency should be balanced between too much and too little communication. Your consistency should ensure that your message and your medium are aligned across all channels and platforms. Your feedback should allow you to listen to and respond to your audience questions, comments, and concerns. Your evaluation should measure the results and outcomes of your event communication strategy and help you improve for future events.

5 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?