Have you recently met new colleagues who are doing great work? I had the pleasure of meeting great colleagues in Ethiopia last month. They are doing outstanding work. I wanted to let everyone in global health to know about the great work they are doing because there are many success stories in the making that need to be told. Most global health professionals I know are also very humble and do not tell their story as much as they should.
In fact, storytelling in global health is not used as much as it should. I believe we, global health professionals, must tell effective stories every day. It is something I do every day to make a point with my kids, colleagues and friends. It is more memorable and relatable to tell a story than to give a speech. You try it. Here is what you do:
1. First say the point you are trying to make: My point here is for you to know the importance of being an effective storyteller in global health.
2. Second, tell the story: Who did what and how are your guide to what to say. It helps is you explain why this matters. It makes it more memorable if there is some problem or conflict that was solved.
3. Lastly, ask a question to help your audience apply what they learned: What story do you think you would like to tell first?
I tell stories especially when I want to convey a complex concept or message. For example, when giving global health advice, I usually make the point that it is best to start by asking questions to understand how best you can help the other person, counterpart or colleague. I usually start with and informal conversation and ask: “How can I help you?” This question is key to establishing an effective working relationship.
I make the point of using this question consistently by telling a story of how I helped a nurse develop a whole community-based nutrition program making use of resources she already had. I will tell you that story next week. Today, I just want you to consider using storytelling and to start telling your stories by making you point. Tell how it worked for you.
To learn more about “Storytelling in Global Health,” please listen to our Storytelling podcasts. They are number 21, 22 and 23. Just click here: https://www.realizingglobalhealth.com/podcast/
Until next week,
Elvira
