#68 | Advocacy & Storytelling With Richard Fowler

You know how you may forget a name or face but never how someone makes you feel? The same goes for stories. As we get better at showing up as our best selves at work, at home, and online, it’s imperative to share the story of who you are and what’s important to you effectively.

Enter today’s CWK guest, Richard Fowler. Forbes, and Fox News know his genius well. During our talk he gave us insight on the power of effective storytelling and how we can use it to be better leaders, better advocates, and better people.

The Goal: Telling Better Stories (06:18)

Telling better stories should be your goal no matter what you do or who you are. It’s the way you’ll win your audience over! Richard and I agreed the best stories are the ones that make you feel something. 

He says ask these three questions to be sure your story is impactful:

1. What’s the story you’re trying to tell?
2. What are you trying to accomplish? 
3. Who’s the most effective messenger?

Taking Judgement Out & Incorporating Empathy (10:55)

When tackling opposing views, Richard says leading with relatability and empathy is the only way to go.

“Oftentimes when we have conversations that make us want to spontaneously combust it’s because we have experts talking at us and no stories from people with lived experience. (Tweet this!) I try to tell stories you don’t see being told and from angles you wouldn’t expect. The key is to start from a place of agreement and lean into your values, without muting out others’.”

The Power Of Effective Storytelling (18:47)

One of Richard’s favorite stories to cover was of Willie Cousins, a Chicago teacher’s assistant who participated in the union’s historic strike though he made less than $30k per year. To show the impact of low wages, Richard created The Willie Calculator, displaying how the income he received from his three jobs never added up to his cost of living. The story was shared over 4 million times and two years later Richard is still asked how Willie is doing. His audience developed an emotional connection with the characters and the story, that‘s the power of effective storytelling!

Getting Clear On Your Story (21:50)

Before your story can be effective it has to be clear. 

Here are Richard’s top 3 rules to getting clear on your story:

• Define the story – know the values and facts you want to highlight.
• Narrow your audience – remember who you are talking to and what’s important to them.
• Getting feedback – let someone review it before publishing. Ask what they learned to be sure your message is coming across effectively.

Navigating The Holiday’s & Politics (31:15)

The holidays are coming up and that means possibly having difficult dinner conversations with family members who have different values than you. Since he’s the master at navigating those kinds of convos I was curious to get Richard’s take on making it through.

“Approach people with no judgement, ask questions, and resist the urge to rebuttal. You’ll discover their frustrations and can then have a conversation around something solid rather than debating feelings.”  (Tweet this!)

Staying Informed Not Overwhelmed (37:57)

Though Richard is immersed in what’s happening in our country and world, he’s intentional about staying informed but not overwhelmed. Watching addresses without the live commentary, reading a newsletter for a sense of what’s moving the day, and only turning on the news when necessary are a few ways he stays on top without going under.

Speed Round (49:02)

• What’s the best thing you have started doing or using lately? Yoga before bed and Honey Vera skin care products
• What is the best gift you’ve given yourself in the last year? A smoker to make new recipes
• What is the next thing you’re hoping to learn? How to use Photoshop
• What are your favorite social media accounts to follow? The Good Quote, Meg Thee Stallion, and Axios 

Homework: Read Loving What Is by Byron Katie 

Next Week

This month’s solo workshop is about becoming a better public speaker. Whether you’re a keynote speaker or just pitching your idea to your team I’m sharing my tried and true tips to showing up well on zoom and in person when speaking to large groups. Join me! I’d love to hear about any pain points or questions you have when presenting in public.

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