Storytelling is a hot topic in communication circles. Posts and articles abound that hype the magic of storytelling in marketing and PR, why the human brain craves stories, why brands need underlying stories and employees need corporate narratives. PR service companies are promoting storytelling while PR media outlets inform us we have it all wrong, that it’s storytelling techniques that matter, not telling an entire story. We learn about critical narrative elements while internal communication pundits insist we need to focus on journalistic storytelling.
So much advice can be overwhelming. Does every message we deliver require a hero on a quest? Must a protagonist overcome obstacles and undergo transformational change? Is there a role for an antihero in communications? And more to the point, just what elements of storytelling do we need to employ in order for the stories we tell (or the messages we deliver with storytelling components) to achieve some measurable objective?
On Thursday, April 20, four IABC Fellows will unpack what it means to apply storytelling to organizational communication. Join us live at noon EDT for episode 20 of the Circle of Fellows podcast. Bring your questions (or ask in response to the real-time conversation); the panel will respond to questions shared on Twitter using the hashtag #COF20. The panel, hosted by the FIR Podcast Network’s Shel Holtz (also a Fellow), will include…
James E. Lukaszewski, America’s Crisis Guru ®, is a bestselling author, national speaker, and trusted strategic advisor to FPO and NPO business operators and leaders during crises, disasters, reputation attacks, contentiousness and when the boss’s future is at stake. Corporate Legal Times listed him as “one of 22 crisis counselors to have in your speed dial when all hell breaks loose.” For more than 30 years, he has confidentially guided hundreds of company leaders thru tough, touchy, sensitive situations. Lukaszewski’s strategies inspire constructive, ethical problem resolving management behavior. A powerful and inspirational speaker, he teaches executives and managers the lessons he has learned. A prolific author, he is quoted and interviewed often as one of the most recognizable leaders in his profession. Lukaszewski is on the web at www.e911.com.
Barbara Puffer owns Puffer Public Relations Strategies, where she has served clients for nearly 20 years. Previously, she was Corporate Communications Manager at Barnes Group for 13 years; her communications management career spans 40 years, including work in banking, insurance, and telecommunications organizations. She has been an Associate Professor teaching communication studies at the University of Maryland University College since 2002.
Jim Shaffer is a business advisor, leadership coach, author, speaker. As leader of the Jim Shaffer Group, he helps organizations accelerate results through superior strategy execution. The Jim Shaffer Group creates hard business results by translating the business strategy to the people who need to implement it, aligning systems, processes, and culture to make the gains sustainable.
Jennifer Wah, MC, ABC, has worked with clients to deliver ideas, plans, words and results since she founded her storytelling and communications firm, Forwords Communication Inc., in 1997. The company operates as a strategic alliance of hand-picked professionals; all renowned for work in their areas of specialization. This approach means the right team is assembled for each project; no more, no less. With more than two dozen awards for strategic communications, writing and consulting, Jennifer is recognized as a storyteller and strategist. She has worked in industries from healthcare to financial services to academia, and is passionate about the opportunity for stories to inspire actions and reactions within organizations.In 2013, Jennifer was named Associate Faculty of Royal Roads University, and in this capacity, continues to teach, coach and mentor others with an interest in business communication.
Watch the video broadcast right here or on YouTube. If you can’t make it for the live broadcast, the video replay will be available shortly afterward. You can also subscribe to the Circle of Fellows podcast to get the audio for later listening (and never miss a future episode).
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