Helping You Tell the Stories that Inspire Action & Change the World| Story Strategist | Event Creator | Story Swashbuckler
I know stories bring in more dollars. But only when the story is told well. A few months ago I worked with a nonprofit leader prepping for a huge donor event. Every year they invite major donors for a weekend of connecting. Amazing entertainment. Great food. Beautiful accommodations. This was his first year delivering the donor appeal - the story with the ask for donations. At our first meeting, he was nervous. Spoke in a monotone voice. Flat, no ups and downs. Just boring. He delivered a strong story. But without vocal interest, I knew it would fall flat. I struggled - how do I tell him he's a boring speaker? Not an easy conversation. But that's my job. I'm here to help him craft and DELIVER a powerful message. That won't happen with a monotone speech. We talked. I recorded him practicing. He immediately saw the problem when we watched together. We got to work on vocal variety, musicality and pitch. Then speed, pauses and tone. Next we put it all together with commanding the stage. By event night, he was ready. He stepped onto that stage and shared a story that connected to the donors. They saw the power of their gifts come alive. When he moved to the appeal and shared the ongoing need, the donors stepped up. They met and exceeded their goal because of a powerful story, a leader willing to learn, and an appeal that showcased the need. I can't stress this enough - storytelling raises money, but only if done well. Monotone speakers put audiences to sleep. Donors tune out despite a great story. Vocal energy and variety are everything. Speed it up, slow it down. Pause for emphasis. Change your pitch. Most importantly, let your passion for the cause shine through! When you share stories with enthusiasm and conviction, you'll have donors leaning in, captivated. They'll be primed and ready to give when you pivot to making "the ask." But lifeless, flat delivery? You've already lost them before getting to the appeal. Don't let that happen! Put in the work to energize your presence and delivery. That's what separates game-changing fundraisers from snoozefests. Your donors - and your mission's bottom line - deserve better than a boring speech. Bring those stories to life and watch the dollars start rolling in! _____ Are you looking to create a more powerful story that will increase giving? Let's talk. Send me a message
Storytelling Science Meets Decision-Making | Startup Mentor with Techstars & gener8tor | Millions Sold, Millions Raised, Millions Spent With Stories
4moHelping clients to see where they are stealing their own impact is the kindest work I can do. They want to perform well...they need to perform well...but without honest, empathetic feedback, they can't. Nice work!