How to Tell a Story That Protects Student Aid
During our storytelling workshop this semester, we shared some tips on how to become a better storyteller. (Remember, you are already one!)
What is Your Power Word?
We started the evening off by presenting our power word, a word that represents one of your core values. We each shared a moment of pride or challenge that we’ve experienced here at PLU, and got into the meat and potatoes of what it means to be a storyteller!
But once you have your power word, how do you structure that story to advocate for things like the Washington College Grant and College Bound?
The “Head, Heart, Hands” Formula
To tell a good story, you can follow a simple formula. A good story showcases the whole picture in a structured format: the facts, the emotions, and what the audience can do after listening.
Stories in advocacy are a way to connect with people, encouraging them to take action; it’s the best way to connect your power word to real change.
The Head This includes the facts and the data. It showcases what needs to be changed and what is being challenged. In our case, this is the funding for the Washington College Grant and College Bound.
The Heart This includes the why, the emotional moment, and the connection between you and the audience. This helps you and the listener connect with one another and should take up most of your story. This is where your Power Word shines.
The Hands This includes what the audience can do after listening to your story. It’s the call to action; what can they do right now to help your cause?
Now pull your story together
If you weren’t able to come to our workshop, that’s alright! You can still build your story right now. Here is how to apply the formula to help protect financial aid.
Step 1: Find the Impact
Think about one positive impact PLU has had on your life that you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. This could be:
- A scholarship (like the Washington College Bound Scholarship!)
- A specific class
- A specific faculty member or professor
- It can be about anything!
Step 2: Find the “Heart”
How has that impact changed your life? Sit down and write how this specific impact has changed your college or adult life. Take five minutes to write this moment down, and you have your why; you have the heart of your story.
You can also follow along and complete the worksheet that was given during the workshop session to help map out your PLU story!
You Now Have the Basis of Your PLU Story!
Now all you need to do is practice. We want you to feel engaged and comfortable enough to share your PLU story with the people who make decisions about our financial aid.
In the meantime, check out our Instagram page to see what the fellows have said about what their power word means to them!
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