Journal 005: Storytelling for Impact

A Better World, One Story at a Time

 

A meaningful story has the power to change one person’s life. And, if stories can change lives, they can also move a community, and maybe even elevate a nation. On the most recent Ever Better podcasts, Marc Winn, Marsha Shandur, and Beckie Thompson shared their personal stories, and described how and why they are helping others to do the same. In this journal episode you’ll hear highlights from these three podcasts and afterwards, if you haven’t had a chance to listen to the full episodes, you might want to check them out.  

 

In Episode 23, Marc Winn explained how change is happening in his country throughThe Dandelion Project. 


In Episode 24, Beckie Thompson described how and why she is sharing stories to encourage girls and women to be anything they want through "I Don't Want to be a Princess."  


In Episode 25, storytelling coach, Marsha Shandur, gave insights into coaching others to share their stories for greatest impact.   

Marc Winn

 

Marc Winn is working to make Guernsey the best place to live on Earth by 2020. Guernsey is a small island-nation in the English Channel and Marc and many of his fellow citizens believe that it’s the perfect environment in which to release the potential of the community and thus, the country.

 

Marc formed “The Dandelion Project” so that ideas and connections shared through his events and programs would take root in unexpected places just as dandelions do. 

 

Creating events where people come together to share their stories has allowed his community to be more compassionate, and to see new possibilities. Marc and his team organized TEDx and TEDx Youth events where Guernsey residents and change-makers from around the world came together to share ideas.

 

During these events people of all ages spoke of perseverance, the impact of kindness, mindfulness, and …how to make Guernsey the best place to live on earth by 2020. 

One participant said:  “TEDx StPeter Port will change the lives of many people in Guernsey, and also on this earth. “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

 

In this journal episode, Marc describes evidence of the changes in Guernsey and how change happens. 

 

Beckie Thompson

Beckie Thompson created a company and community called “I Don’t Want to be a Princess.” Together with her daughter, Keira, she is sharing the stories of what girls and women have accomplished to encourage all girls and women to become anything they want to be. 

 

In this journal episode, Beckie describes the importance of sharing impactful stories. 

 

Marsha Shandur

Marsha Shandur, also known as YesYesMarsha, is a storytelling coach who discusses how and why she helps people to better communicate their stories. She’s helped corporate leaders show their human and likeable sides, startups get funding for their companies, and relationships progress. 

 

Marsha helps clients to “excavate their memories” and asks “What did it look like and how did you feel?”  She says, when you’re telling a story think about “making a movie inside someone else’s brain.” Next time you’re thinking about delivering a presentation – which to be more impactful should involve stories - consider Marsha’s techniques.  

 

I’m honored to be sharing Marsha’s wisdom because I had the good fortune of taking part in Marsha’s storytelling workshop last year…and that was a catalyst for creating the Ever Better Podcast.  

 

I love to hear from listeners! You can reach me directly at [email protected].

A Better World, One Story at a Time

 

A meaningful story has the power to change one person’s life. And, if stories can change lives, they can also move a community, and maybe even elevate a nation. On the most recent Ever Better podcasts, Marc Winn, Marsha Shandur, and Beckie Thompson shared their personal stories, and described how and why they are helping others to do the same. In this journal episode you’ll hear highlights from these three podcasts and afterwards, if you haven’t had a chance to listen to the full episodes, you might want to check them out.  

 

In Episode 23, Marc Winn explained how change is happening in his country throughThe Dandelion Project.  In