E274 - Storytelling with Laura Croudace
- Charity Chat Podcast
- Jun 2, 2024
- 2 min read
“…there are lots of ways to connect with audiences, and storytelling, in my opinion, is the easiest way to do that…” Laura Croudace
In this episode we speak with Laura Croudace about storytelling. We speak about why good storytelling is so crucial for all charities and what those with limited resource can do to tell their stories to raise their profile and speak to people in a deep and meaningful way.
1. Keep things simple
Keeping stories simple, truthful, and personal are key components of a good story. Laura talked about seeking out the hero, and that charities all have heroes who can be at the centre of a story. We also talked about coming from an audience centred approach and sharing stories that might particularly resonate with them, potentially exploring stories from people like them, and conveying behind the scenes stories of the work that is happening as a result of their support.
2. Resonate with your audience
Talking about common themes and finding commonality between your storyteller or the hero in your story and the likely experience of your audience is another tactic in good storytelling. Reminding the listener about their life and identity in the context of your story will help it to resonate.
3. Be curious
The path to find a good story is asking questions and being curious. Talk to those around you – working, volunteering, using your charity’s services.
Your charity is solving problems every day. Find the people suffering the problem and solving the problem, and you are likely to have found a story worth telling. The chances are that if their story moves you it will move others too.
4. Find out more:
YouTube Link to IWITOT Humans Of New York: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv1bqdw5txM
New Horizon Youth Centre - https://nhyouthcentre.org.uk/
We hope you enjoy this episode.
Related episodes that you may be interested in:
E262 - Ethical Content Creation with Emma Bracegirdle - https://www.charitychat.org.uk/post/e262-ethical-content-creation-with-emma-bracegirdle
E251 - Becoming Audience led with Chloe Amstein -
E136 - The Fundraising Enthusiast With Laura Croudace -
Excellent insights on storytelling. The point about focusing on real people rather than organisations really resonated with me. We've found that supporters engage much more when they can see the direct impact their contributions have on individuals and families rather than just reading statistics.
At Barakah in Kindness, we've seen how sharing authentic stories about access to free healthcare, essential medicines, and support for vulnerable communities helps people understand the difference their support makes. It's a reminder that meaningful storytelling is often about keeping things simple, honest, and human.
Learn more about our projects: Barakah in Kindness Projects
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