Lights, Camera, Action! The Art of Storytelling

As a veteran of television news before transitioning into public relations, I understand the value and power of storytelling. In a newsroom, reporters are covering a different story (or in many cases, stories) every day. Effective storytelling is not just a skill – it’s an art and a passion. In public relations, stories help to showcase who you are and what your organization is all about.

Storytelling is about finding a connection.

One of the greatest honors in my career is the privilege of sharing stories. Each of those stories is unique and special. As I learned from working in television, everyone has a story to share. Now, in my public relations career for the last decade, it’s important to remember that behind every corporate announcement and press release, there are real people whose stories deserve to be shared.

Finding ways to transform your storytelling is important! A few things to consider:

• Make sure that your story reflects the values of your organization. It remains true to the core of your mission.

• There are stories that truly move us – and those are the stories that your audience is going to remember. Find an impactful way to share those emotional connections of the story.

• Less is more. Be clear and concise in your writing.

• Using photos and videos can be extremely helpful. While not all stories lend themselves to visual elements, most of the time, you can find some way to connect with your audience through visuals. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Every story is an opportunity to share who you are - take advantage of those opportunities.