In today’s fast-paced, information-saturated world, storytelling is one of the most effective ways to create meaningful connections and inspire change. Austin Berg, co-founder of Iron Light, knows this well. His approach to storytelling has helped change over 60 laws across the United States by making policies relatable and impactful. As Berg says:
“Great stories have two elements: relatedness and fairness.”
This blog explores how you can harness storytelling to inspire action and drive reform, with practical tips from one of the best in the field.
Why Storytelling Matters
Stories resonate because they make abstract issues tangible. Instead of focusing on numbers or policy jargon, stories show how these issues impact real people. A powerful example comes from Patricia Hill, a homeowner in Illinois.
Patricia and her husband worked hard to achieve the American dream—buying a $300,000 home in 2006. Today, that same house is worth $200,000, and she faces a crushing annual property tax bill of over $20,000. This financial strain has brought her to the brink of foreclosure multiple times.
Meanwhile, just two towns away, a former school superintendent enjoys a taxpayer-funded pension of over $300,000 per year—highlighting the stark inequality in Illinois’ property tax and pension systems. Patricia sums it up:
“This has turned from an American dream into an American nightmare.”
This story encapsulates the personal toll of broken systems, making it impossible to ignore.
How to Create Compelling Stories
Austin emphasizes that impactful storytelling relies on two key elements:
- Relatedness
- Choose messengers your audience can relate to. Patricia’s story resonates with homeowners, parents, and anyone pursuing a better life.
- When audiences see themselves in a story, they process it emotionally and deeply, fostering empathy and understanding.
- Fairness
- Highlight clear injustices. People are wired to react strongly to unfairness, and stories with a clear victim and oppressor engage audiences on a visceral level.
- Patricia’s story of skyrocketing taxes juxtaposed with extravagant pensions strikes a nerve, making the issue impossible to dismiss.
Tips for Collecting and Sharing Stories
If you want to use storytelling to drive change, here are Austin Berg’s practical tips:
- Be Brave: Everyone has a story. Strike up conversations with people you meet, from neighbors to Uber drivers—you never know where you’ll find inspiration.
- Fail Often: Not every story will resonate. Experiment with different narratives and refine your approach based on feedback.
- Stay Authentic: You don’t need fancy production equipment. A simple photo and a heartfelt quote are often more impactful than polished videos. Authenticity builds trust and keeps the focus on the message.
Why Storytelling Drives Change
Stories like Patricia Hill’s do more than inform; they transform. They turn abstract policy debates into emotional, relatable narratives that inspire action. As Berg explains, “Every person you meet is a potential story waiting to be told.”
When crafted with authenticity, fairness, and relatability, stories can humanize complex issues, mobilize audiences, and bring about real change.
Keywords: storytelling tips, storytelling for change, messaging, storytelling in policy reform, campaigning
