Tracey Brown Makes a Lasting Impression at Women Leaders in Diabetes Conference – Join us in Florida on Dec 6th to get inspired by Ms. Brown in person.
Tracey Brown, keynote speaker and CEO of the American Diabetes Association, inspired, informed and wowed us with her presentation. She coached attendees to use storytelling infused with authenticity to help create and build memorable connections. These connections can be the spark for creating meaningful relationships and moving change forward. When we use storytelling that is authentic, even when our message is persuasive, our chance of success increases.
“People will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
As diabetes educators, a central tenant of our profession is teaching colleagues and people living with diabetes about self-management strategies and health improvement. We meet with providers and community leaders to encourage them to refer participants to our education programs. We share healthy lifestyle strategies with family and friends.
During these various teaching opportunities, do we try to get our message across by reciting a myriad of facts and figures to try and convince others to change, refer to our program, or get active? I know that I have used this strategy, with limited success. Might we have better outcomes by using an ancient strategy, that not only appeals to the brain but also the emotions?
“Stories are 22 times more memorable than facts and figures alone.” – Tracey Brown, ADA
The first step is learning how to tell a good story. A story that resonates with the listener.
Strategies to tell a good story:
- Have a goal. Be clear on why you want/need to tell this story.
- Grab attention. Why would the audience listen? Stand up for your viewpoint to stand out.
- Keep engaging. Ask yourself, why will the audience care?
- Enable action. Why would they share your story?
During your storytelling, keep your “why” authentic and frame your “ask” as something bigger than what you can offer. Make sure to tune into and acknowledge your audiences’ beliefs and disbelief.
Focus on meeting people where they are. We don’t have to use fancy language and tons of facts and figures to make an impression. We need to keep it real while engaging the listener.
Thank you Ms. Brown for sharing your story and inspiring us to use storytelling to help inspire providers, colleagues, people living with diabetes and leaders that influence access and funding for diabetes care.
Women Leaders Coming to Florida
If you couldn’t make the Women Leaders in Diabetes Conference this May (which was completely magical), we have great news. We will be holding a Women Leaders in Diabetes Conference on December 6, 2019 in Tampa, Florida.
Join us at the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa!
Enjoy a day of networking with other amazing women and end your weekend in Safety Harbor’s spa. Enjoy complimentary steam rooms, sauna, whirlpools, and tennis courts. Fun for the whole family!
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