Stories about overcoming challenges and hardship can be effective for many, many reasons. They can teach valuable lessons. They can inspire. They can lead to policy change that helps communities in the future.
AND.
Behind every story of resilience is often a human experience of pain and suffering. An experience that needs to be honored and respected, not exploited.
Believe me. Audiences can feel the difference.
I’ll be very honest. As a storyteller, I struggle with this sometimes. If someone is going to trust me with their story, it’s my responsibility to make sure their pain doesn’t become a prop for someone else’s platform. I don’t always get it right, but I try really, really hard.
– I use empathy. I take it personally. – I ask for honest input from outside perspectives. – I push back when I feel the best interests of the story subject are not being considered. – I push back when I’m told I’m taking it TOO personally.
And I’ll be honest. Some brands don’t love these qualities in a consultant. But brands who “get it” have the capacity to tell compelling stories that resonant with audiences and ultimately lead to long-term positive change.
Linked here and posted below is a recent example of what I’m talking about. Last August, the 515 Productions team had the opportunity to partner with AARP, to tell the story of Asheville, North Carolina, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
From the start, AARP was absolutely sincere in its “why” for telling the story: advocating for Asheville in its recovery and rebuilding, and helping other communities create disaster plans. It was truly a privilege to be trusted with this project and work with this team.
I’m satisfied with how the story came together, but being a perfectionist and my own worst critic, there are minor things I wish I could change. Overall, however, I feel good about the outcome, because I know I listened to my gut and trusted the process. At the end of the day, that’s what matters.
Need help with your storytelling strategy? Drop me a line.
By: Lynn Melling, Co-Founder at 515 Productions
Stories about overcoming challenges and hardship can be effective for many, many reasons. They can teach valuable lessons. They can inspire. They can lead to policy change that helps communities in the future.
AND.
Behind every story of resilience is often a human experience of pain and suffering. An experience that needs to be honored and respected, not exploited.
Believe me. Audiences can feel the difference.
I’ll be very honest. As a storyteller, I struggle with this sometimes. If someone is going to trust me with their story, it’s my responsibility to make sure their pain doesn’t become a prop for someone else’s platform. I don’t always get it right, but I try really, really hard.
– I use empathy. I take it personally.
– I ask for honest input from outside perspectives.
– I push back when I feel the best interests of the story subject are not being considered.
– I push back when I’m told I’m taking it TOO personally.
And I’ll be honest. Some brands don’t love these qualities in a consultant. But brands who “get it” have the capacity to tell compelling stories that resonant with audiences and ultimately lead to long-term positive change.
Linked here and posted below is a recent example of what I’m talking about. Last August, the 515 Productions team had the opportunity to partner with AARP, to tell the story of Asheville, North Carolina, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
From the start, AARP was absolutely sincere in its “why” for telling the story: advocating for Asheville in its recovery and rebuilding, and helping other communities create disaster plans. It was truly a privilege to be trusted with this project and work with this team.
I’m satisfied with how the story came together, but being a perfectionist and my own worst critic, there are minor things I wish I could change. Overall, however, I feel good about the outcome, because I know I listened to my gut and trusted the process. At the end of the day, that’s what matters.
Need help with your storytelling strategy? Drop me a line.