Inspiring Action: How to Tell Authentic and Persuasive Stories

Regardless of our titles, all nonprofit professionals and volunteers need to make connections that inspire people to action – whether on a project committee, in a meeting with a prospective donor, at a volunteer recruitment event, or pitching a corporate partner. We need to connect in ways that are authentic and differentiating.

Authenticity is what ultimately inspires people to take action. As Simon Sinek so passionately shares in his How Great Leaders Inspire Action TED Talk, engaging audiences and telling stories that move people means shifting your focus from whats and hows to whys.  Coming from a place of authenticity helps you feel something, empathize and make much needed connections.

How do we do this in a believable way? How do we go from being effective presenters to engaging storytellers? And, perhaps most importantly, how do we make meaningful connections within the first few minutes of conversation?

Participants will learn about:

• Finding your passion – coming from a place of why
• Storytellers that move us – zeroing in on examples of best in class storytelling
• Telling stories that persuade – do’s and don’ts for engaging and inspiring audiences
• Crafting & practicing stories – building stories that bring your “why” to life in 60 seconds or less

About the Presenter:

Beth McCarthy (she/her) has spent 25+ years helping brands bridge the gap between their offering and their consumers’ needs – making products, services, experiences and messages relevant to the people they serve. She gets to this level of deep understanding by establishing trust, getting into hearts and minds and ultimately surfacing what moves people to action. Beth currently runs her own consulting practice, helping organizations (most notably those in education, healthcare and human services) think through tough challenges and new/different ways to solve. She does this primarily through strategic facilitation – engaging people in spirited discussion and pushing them to think in ways they haven’t before. She has taught Consumer Understanding at both Northeastern University and Boston University and currently teaches Entrepreneurial Leadership at Tufts University.

Cost and Registration:

• MANP Members save $50!
• MANP Members: $99 / Nonmembers: $149
• Scholarships available for members! Prior to registering, email your scholarship request to Learn@NonprofitMaine.org, including your name and organization.

Thank you to our lead sponsor for our nonprofit management educational programs.