Today's awards at lunch were inspiring--I could hear and see the emotion in the room on and off the stage. As a newcomer to the Wisconsin Prevention Conference, I really wanted to understand what was going on.
Who were these people? Obviously their contributions to the prevention arena belonged in the state fair blue ribbon, grand prize-winning category. Their colleagues praised them, and gave out awards and hugs, so I was really happy for everyone. I tried to imagine what the award-winners' exceptional work must look like as I clapped along with everyone else.
Then Chef Thomas Sacksteder received his award, and I forgot the few words about him on my program page. Instead I was suddenly watching him show kids at Sand Lake Elementary School how to cook delicious vegetables and encouraging tasting, with kids cheering, the principal peeling potatoes , a carrot judging, and staff, teachers, volunteers and parents enthusiastically supporting the whole thing.
The funny thing is, I've seen that video many times because I work on the PreventionSpeaks.org team supporting storytelling as another tool for policy change. But this time I felt goosebumps because it enhanced something I was already trying to comprehend.
I think you can count on your audience having a better understanding of your cause by using a story.
Well said Shirley. It was electric yesterday and I couldn't help being reminded of Nancy's comment in the opening about being in a room full of heros.
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