Communication Connection Blog

How to Tell Powerful Stories

Telling a powerful story is never an accident.

A story is one of the most effective tools we have to communicate a faith message that resonates with the heart. Jesus modeled the power of a parable throughout the Bible. A story with powerful impact always features: 1) a person, 2) a problem, and 3) a before and after scenario. Telling that story requires identifying it, capturing and editing it to include the right balance of detail to touch the emotions. The impact is almost always found in the details, but mismanaging those details (too many, too few for example) can kill the impact. It is important to research ahead and have an angle before you start. Perhaps your story will spotlight the impact a ministry had had on one of your members or one of your ministry partner beneficiaries. Consider specific questions before you interview them, and build them up by smiling and encouraging them to share their experience honestly for the benefit of others. When  you begin to retell their story, consider which details can be cut and which details paint an unforgettable picture. In other words, is this something you want the reader to savor or merely sip? You get good details by asking good questions, such as,

•  Why was it ________?
• What was the moment like when_____?
• How did you handle what you saw? felt? learned?
• What are your regrets?
• What do you wish you had done more of, less of?

Put your audience right there in the scene and help create a sharp contrast in the before and after descriptions. Remember to expound on the call to action if you want the reader to join the ministry, donate to the ministry, volunteer or tell a friend.