THE POWER OF STORIESA story can have a powerful effect on an individual.

The story must have an effect on people’s lives and be compelling.

A good story is not a random series of events.

A good story must have a beginning, middle and end.

TWO QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK1) Who is your audience—know what they want and craft

the story specifically for them—tailor fit.

2) With a specific purpose in mind, craft the story for the response you need. The story should lead people to the

natural conclusion that you want them to make… buy a CSA, come for a farm visit, etc…

CHARACTERThe main character is your hero–you, your family,

your farm.

CONNECTIONConnection is the bridge between the audience and you.

To connect with people meet them on a human level.

Find one of the common threads that unite us-basic human needs, wants and desires.

CONFLICT/STRUGGLEWhat did you have to do to be able to make the

farm experience happen?

What is going on inside the main character—thoughts and feelings around the situation.

 

CONQUESTThe outcome of the main character’s situation,

showing how the problem is resolved or has improved.

How did you overcome your barrier?

How did your vision emerge? 

STORY TRIGGERSOwnership - What difference are you making?

Uniqueness - Find something that makes your farming experience unique.

Familiarity - What elements might be familiar to relate to?

Humanity - Always find the human interest –why does it matter what you do?

Contrast - Show a strong difference your farming experience makes in the community.

 

PROPSProps can be a picture, an artifact, a video or

something else the audience can interact with.

Use of enhancing the story and helping start or further it along.

 

ENGAGING YOUR AUDIENCE

Can you imagine?

Have you ever?

Would you like to?

OWNING YOUR STORYStory must first engage YOU.

Transfer your emotion to the your audience.

Experiences = working with people, giving a gift that transforms, hearing a story that touched you.

What resonates with you?

CRAFTING YOUR STORY• Who or what will be the main character?

• What is the obstacle for the main character?

• Details around why you are doing what you do.

• How does your farm experience help others?

• Why does it matter?

RULES TO REMEMBER• Stories must be about the impact your farming

experience has in the community.• Have a personal connection to the story you are telling.• Know why you are telling the story.• Start your story by connecting with your audience first.• The main character should be hero – you, your family,

your farm.• Use barrier/struggles to drive the story.• Include only details that move the story along. • Practice telling your story.• Tell you story with passion.

STEP BY STEP EXERCISE FORCRAFTING YOUR FARM STORY

• WHO is the hero of your story (you, your family, your farm).

• WHAT did you have to do/overcome to be able to farm/own land/support yourself/make this decision?

• WHY do you want to do this?

• HOW did your vision emerge? What barrier did you overcome?

• WHAT difference are you making? Why does it matter?

• NOW pull it all together.

Marilyn Ball12Twelve Collaborative Solutions

info@12twelve.me12twelve.me