Storytelling Week, celebrated in the first week of February, reminds us of the timeless power of narrative. Whether personal or professional, stories shape connections, inspire action, and create lasting impressions.
Why It Matters
- Stories connect people.
- From early childhood, we learn through stories.
- In a noisy world, stories cut through and captivate.
Marketing Magic
- Instead of selling, stories inspire.
- For instance, consider how SE2 supported the “I Am Denver” initiative. By sharing authentic narratives from Denver residents, the campaign brought diverse community stories to life, fostering a sense of belonging and pride. These stories encouraged individuals to see their role in shaping their community’s future, promoting engagement and positive behavior change.
- Another example is SE2’s work with Tobacco Free Colorado. Rather than pushing facts and statistics, the campaign used personal stories of Coloradans who overcame addiction or shared their journey toward healthier living. These narratives didn’t just present data; they invited audiences to see themselves in the stories, fostering hope and encouraging change. By highlighting real voices, SE2 transformed the campaign into a movement that sparked action.
- Stories build trust and loyalty by showing the heart behind the mission.
- Behavior change marketing thrives on storytelling because it connects emotionally with audiences, making messages more relatable and impactful.
Why Now?
- AI generates polished content, but it’s missing something: authenticity. AI can’t interview someone and extract their compelling story.
- People crave raw, unfiltered moments.
- They want to see the cracks, the human side.
- A story told with heart doesn’t need to be perfect. The rise of AI makes your voice more vital than ever.
Realness Wins
- Think of the last story that moved you. Maybe it was a friend’s journey or a video of someone overcoming a challenge.
- Realness creates connection.
- It’s not about flawless production; it’s about honesty.
- When you embrace vulnerability, your audience leans in.
What’s Next?
This Storytelling Week, share something meaningful.
- Start with a moment that shaped you, your team, or your mission.
- Use vivid details and emotion.
- Skip the jargon.
- Keep it human.
When you tell your story, you don’t just inform—you inspire.
About the Author:
RJ Johnson (they/them) is a trans behavior change marketer. They create fun, engaging, and strategic content. With over six years of experience in marketing, communications, and content management, they have touched just about every aspect of the field. RJ is a lifelong learner with an M.B.A. from the University of Colorado, Denver, and a B.F.A. in Creative Writing from Stephens College. RJ is a content strategist at SE2, a behavior change marketing agency, previously worked in the health insurance sector, and is passionate about aiding in the fight for equal opportunities and advocacy. They approach everything from a lens of intersectionality and community.
