There are some amazing tools out there for visual storytelling. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with some new tools and I thought I would share some of my favorites with you. This is both a list of tools and resources to help you use these tools.
Before I get to the list, I want to say a few words about visual storytelling.
Without a doubt, visual storytelling is one of the best ways to engage your audience. Visuals can be so much more powerful than written word and have the ability to evoke strong emotional reactions. Whether you are fundraising, raising awareness, or something else, I encourage you to think about how visual storytelling fits into your plan. So often, visuals become an afterthought but it’s in our best interest to proactively consider them.
As I’ve recently been thinking more about visual storytelling, I’ve noticed that it’s also beneficial to take an expansive view of what “visual storytelling” could include such as videos, infographics, graphics, live streaming video, and more. In other words, it’s more than just still images. I hope this list of resources and tools helps to inspire your next visual story!
Storify
Storify is an older storytelling tool (by Internet standards), but it still has some great uses. What it does is allow you to bring together content from various social media sites and around the web to create a custom story about anything.
Storify allows you to bring together all kinds of content including text, video, pictures, gifs, and more.
I think Storify is especially great for a hashtag campaign or live events. Plus, once you have created a Storify, you can then share it and embed it on other sites.
Nonprofit Film School
If your organization has wanted to produce video stories, but you don’t have the budget to hire a production company, Nonprofit Film School is your answer! Nonprofit Film School is an online class that will show you everything you need to know to produce quality video content.
I personally took this class last year and have learned so much! I think one of the most helpful things I learned is that not every video has to be perfectly polished. In fact, some of the best gems might be raw, random footage. Learn more about Nonprofit Film School here.
Facebook Live
Another visual storytelling medium that I’m super excited about – Facebook Live. Social media is going the way of video and especially live streaming video. If your organization uses Facebook as one of your main social media platforms, Facebook Live might be worth trying out.
For some more ideas and inspiration for Facebook Live, check out this post.
Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences
This is actually a book and it’s on a topic that might be really useful to your non-profit: presentations.
If you are giving presentations of any kind, I highly encourage you to pick up a copy of this book. Nancy Duarte has worked with some of the world’s top speakers, including many TED speakers, to design beautiful presentations.
I read this book about three years ago and it fundamentally changed how I approach presentations.
Your Smart Phone
Until recently, I had a great tool on my hands for visual storytelling that was grossly underused. That tool is my smart phone.
Prior to about two months ago, I had never taken a video on my phone. I think I was a little nervous about it and didn’t really know how to use my phone. So in an effort to change that, I searched for some videos on Youtube to learn how to optimize video on my phone.
Purchasing a selfie stick and an attachable bright light (all for under $40) is helping to up my video efforts.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. What tools and resources have you loved for visual storytelling?
