Abstract
Abstract for Storytelling as a Public Health Communication Tool: This chapter considers why storytelling, with its long history as an indispensable form of information sharing, is still today such a powerful and persuasive tool. Long before there was the printed word there was storytelling by orators who would pass knowledge from one group to another. Today storytelling is a highly effective, broadly praised tool that is utilized throughout almost every sector of business, academia, and even government. Drawing on perspectives and techniques utilized in, widely held communication theories, behavior change concepts, and personal anecdotes, this chapter presents the premise that utilizing personal storytelling—which shares an event, turning point, or personally motivating experience—not only has value in global health communication but also can be a singularly effective tool in building trust, forging acceptance, and ultimately changing behavior. Also addressed are the value and opportunities associated with employing one’s personal story as a tool to mentor and engage new professionals in public health and health communications.
People don’t buy what you do; people buy why you do it (Sinek 2009).
Simon Sinek, Author
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Stracuzzi, G.M. (2015). Personalizing Health Communication. In: Beracochea, E. (eds) Improving Aid Effectiveness in Global Health. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2721-0_23
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