Digital Public Health Storytelling Anita Verna Crofts May
Digital Public Health Storytelling Anita Verna Crofts May 9, 2008 Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Presentation Goals • • • Introduce storytelling as a leadership skill Define “digital storytelling” Outline our tools Discuss the power of photographs Review examples of public health storytelling Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Why do we tell stories? Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
“Stories are about survival. ” Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
What makes a good story? Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
What makes a good story? • • • Moves people emotionally Substance Conflict and Resolution Vivid Images Perfect for the audience The story is loved by the storyteller - From Chris Keys, Editor of Storytelling Power www. creativekeys. net Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Why is storytelling an important leadership tool for leaders in the field of public health? Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Stories and Leadership • • • Stories inspire/motivate Stories persuade Stories are memorable Stories create a connection to a cause Stories link the past and focus on the future • Stories appeal to the different “modes” of listening and learning Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Storytelling seems to imply a one-way relationship -- "I tell the story and you are to listen. " An adept use of narrative and storytelling takes place with in a two-way, interactive relationship. Successful leaders are not just good at storytelling -- they generally display strong narrative intelligence. - Stephen Denning, The Secret Language of Leadership Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
What is Narrative Intelligence? • The capacity to understand the world in “narrative terms” • Familiarity with successful narrative components—what makes a strong story • Ability to choose the right narrative at the right time • Understanding the audience: their own stories and their reaction to your narrative Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
The ability to think narratively—that is, narrative intelligence—reflects a recognition that the narrative aspects of the world matter because human goals matter, and narratives encapsulate human goals. - Stephen Denning, The Secret Language of Leadership Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Building a two-way story • Identify the goal of the story • Know your audience • Use language that is best suited to your goal • Frame the story to the goal Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Why do we frame stories? • The frame impacts how the audience understands the story • Listeners focus first on what is in the frame, but not what’s outside of it • Listeners interpret your story through their own frames. People’s minds rely on frames, not facts. - Michael Shadow Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
How to frame a story 1. Pick a value as your frame (“This story is about…”) For example: • Do not say, “This is a story about my teacher. ” • Instead, say, “This is a story about courage/love/compassion. ” Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
What is a digital story? • A story that uses digital media to enhance its effectiveness • A story that can be shared through many mediums: on a screen (computer, theater) • A story that combines audio and visual components Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Digital Storytelling Tools • • • Digital cameras Audio recorders Slideshow software Video software Websites Blogs Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Digital Cameras • • Portable Relatively easy to use High resolution Flexible Many can use with simple training Capable of moving images with sound Contribute images to your story Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Audio Recorders • Portable • Can record voice to give your digital story its “voice” • Can be used by many with simple instruction • Create an oral record of thoughts and feelings Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Slideshow Software • Relatively inexpensive • Able to use with basic computer skills • Allows users to collect and store digital stories easily • Can combine photos and audio without expensive movie making software • Creates a file that can be shared widely Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Websites • Websites can “host” digital stories • Websites can provide relevant information to accompany the digital stories • Websites can link visitors to information and resources beyond just the digital story Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Blogs • Blogs allow for day to day updating and can be more “dynamic” than websites • Blogs are often privately hosted • Easy uploading digital stories, maps, photos, audio, and other attachments Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
“A picture is worth a thousand words. ” Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photographs and Stories • • Visual images compel us to look Visual images connect us to the subject Visual images create context Visual images can humanize complex stories Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Visual images get our attention • • • Color Shapes Light Texture We are curious! Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photo by Anita Verna Crofts Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photo by Jed Conklin Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photo by Jed Conklin Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photo by Lexey Swall Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Visual images link us as people • • Human connection / “That could be me. ” Recognition Identity Emotion Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photo by Kristy Leissle Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photo by David Butow Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photo by Goran Tomasevic Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photo by Jed Conklin Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photo by David Guttenfelder Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photo by David Butwow Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photo by David Ahntholz Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photo by David Guttenfelder Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Visuals create context If you do not create the context for your story, the reader/viewer/listener will create it for you. Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Visuals create context • • Context is part of the frame you create Context sets the tone Context sets the mood Context places it culturally Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photos by Vincent Winter Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
What values framed that story? Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Values • Renewal • Triumph • Integration • Hope • Others? Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photos by Paul Zoeller Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
What values framed that story? Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Values • Perseverance • Acceptance • Love • Others? Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photos by Romain Blanquart Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
What values framed that story? Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Values • Hope • Love • Courage • Loss • Others? Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Participatory Photography “Participatory photography places the medium of the camera into the hands of learners to democratize the image-making dynamic and give them the power to show and speak their own realities. ” - Darlene E. Clover From Out of the Darkroom: Participatory Photography as a Critical, Imaginative, and Public Aesthetic Practice of Transformative Education Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Participatory photography means that there is community involvement and ownership in the documentation process Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Camera Tips • Think about the frame of the photo • Consider the angle (up high, below, to the side, from behind) • Get in as close as is culturally appropriate • Take many photos even of the same person or event—film is not an issue • Use light and color • Be brave. Take risks. Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Audio Tips • Speak less, listen more • Ask open ended questions • Let there be silences, do not feel you need to fill them • Ensure the comfort of the interviewee • Make eye contact as they speak— encourage their story Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Framing Photos • What do you leave in the frame? • What remains outside? Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photo by Tamas Dezso Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photo by Tamas Dezso Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photo by Josh Meltzer Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Photo by Kyle Green Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Frame Exercise If you had to take a self-portrait of yourself or your family, but without any people in the frame, what would you photograph? Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
What story does this picture tell? Photo by Josh Meltzer Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
The photo tells a story of… • • • Integration Isolation Youth Language Friendship Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Digital stories and public health • • Highlight your work Share best practices Draw attention to an issue Offer solutions Appeal to the wider community Advocate for change Document Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Current Examples • Engender. Health India has created two 6 minute videos on violence against women • African Medical and Research Foundation (AMFREF) has created an 8 minute video on malaria education activities in Ethiopia • Bridges to Understanding has produced digital stories in South Africa, India, and Guatemala • International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA) The Netherlands has a 2 minute video on nutrition from a workshop in Mundri, Southern Sudan Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Who is the audience for digital public health stories? • • • Your community Your funders Your government/legislators Your colleagues in Ethiopia Your colleagues in other countries Others? Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Digital Storytelling Assignment • Identify a “human goal” of public health that matters in your community • Frame that story • Photograph that story • Record audio of that story • Invite colleagues to participate Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
Questions to ask • Who is your audience for the digital story? • What is the frame for your story? • What images are important to tell your story? • Whose voices are important to include in this story? • Who are other members of the community or my workplace that you can involve? Packard Foundation Fellows Presentation May 9, 2008
- Slides: 74