Engaging Stakeholders Through Stories

Alice Aedy

Nature-based Storyteller

Learn how storytelling can turn your sustainability vision into reality by connecting with the right people, evoking emotions, and tailoring your message to different stakeholders, so you can gain the support you need to make real progress.

Net Zero Stakeholder Management

Engaging Stakeholders Through Stories

9 mins 5 secs

Key learning objectives:

Understand how to use storytelling to successfully engage with stakeholders
Understand the benefits of tailoring stories to different stakeholder audiences to gain support for your project
Identify strategies to align project goals with the values and motivations of diverse stakeholders

Overview:

Understanding how to tailor your story is key to getting stakeholders on board with your sustainability projects. Alice Aedy explains how storytelling isn’t just about data; it’s about connecting emotionally and tapping into shared values and concerns. In this Step, learners will explore crafting different narratives for different groups, focusing on their motivations. Whether dealing with investors, community leaders, or policymakers, tailoring your message will help turn stakeholders into champions of your project and drive real change.

Sign up today

Summary

Why is storytelling crucial for engaging stakeholders in sustainability initiatives?

Storytelling is essential because it allows you to connect with stakeholders on an emotional level. Data alone won’t inspire action; it’s the emotional connection that moves people. A compelling story resonates with people’s values, beliefs, and experiences, helping them see the broader impact of sustainability initiatives. In the Sí al Yasuni movement, storytelling united diverse stakeholders around a common goal by connecting emotional stakes with long-term benefits, turning a local issue into one of global importance.

How can tailoring stories help engage different stakeholders?

Different stakeholders have different priorities, and the key to gaining their support is to tailor your story to their specific concerns. Investors might care about financial returns, policymakers about broader social benefits, and community leaders about local impacts. By customising your narrative, you can align your project’s goals with what matters most to each group. The Sí al Yasuni campaign did this by focusing on environmental and cultural value for the public while challenging economic assumptions for policymakers, making the cause relevant to all.

How do you identify and align stakeholders' interests with your project goals?

Start by identifying potential stakeholders and understanding their motivations. This involves researching both their organisational priorities and personal backgrounds. Align your project’s objectives with their interests, whether that’s financial returns, social impact, or innovation. Develop messaging that speaks directly to their concerns and goals, ensuring they see how your project helps them achieve their aims. For example, investors may respond to profitability, while community leaders may resonate more with local benefits.

What strategies can you use to craft a compelling story for different stakeholders?

To craft a compelling story, begin by understanding your audience’s values and concerns. Shape your narrative around what matters to them, whether it’s financial gain, social impact, or cultural significance. For instance, if you’re pitching to an investor who enjoys nature, frame your environmental project as both a sound business decision and a cause that aligns with their personal interests. A well-crafted story balances emotional appeal with practical benefits, aligning stakeholder interests with your project goals.

The opinions and viewpoints expressed in this video are those of the creator and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organisations.

Sign up today

Alice Aedy

Meet Alice Aedy, the creative force at the intersection of climate action and digital storytelling. As Co-Founder and CEO of Earthrise, Alice leads a pioneering platform that amplifies the stories that matter most, with the aim to transform climate awareness into cultural consciousness. Through Earthrise, Alice and her team are redefining how the world connects with climate issues, bringing human-centered narratives to the forefront. Alice is an award-winning documentary director and producer and her passion for social and climate justice is evident in every frame of her work. She was also honoured in Forbes 30 Under 30 for Social Impact. With features in National Geographic, The Guardian, The New York Times and Vogue.

There are no available Steps from "Alice Aedy"