One of the best ways to make your story “feel” real: Real quotations from real people.
Almost everyone talks just a bit oddly.
And that’s one of the best things about speech.
Sure, you write well. But the genuine words someone has to say about their own story are not the same as your polished, accurate, brand-compliant narrative. Even though few readers will know why, they’ll notice the story made rich with quotations has a stronger sense of reality.
Stories are powerful because they are real.
People talking — even when it’s odd (especially when it’s odd) — is more real than almost anything else.
When you’re gathering stories, get people to talk! If they give you a yes/no answer to a question, dig deeper. Ask what they mean.
More on Storytelling for Fundraisers.
Jeff Brooks has been serving the nonprofit community for more than 35 years and blogging about it since 2005. He considers fundraising the most noble of pursuits and hopes you’ll join him in that opinion. You can reach him at jeff [at] jeff-brooks [dot] com.
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