1) Clarity
Be clear and direct with what you want to say and how you say it. Tell your audience who you are, what you do, why you’re doing it and who you’re doing it for – all while remembering that you’re speaking as your brand.
2) Character
Incorporate your brand’s voice and personality. People often see organizations as profit-driven ‘its’, so use your story to change their mind. Show – don’t tell – your audience that behind your organization are real people. Humans just like them, with real feelings, values and experiences. Humanize your brand and show people that your organization cares, empathizes and stands for something important.
3) Consistency
Keep your messaging consistent everywhere: not only with what you say, but how you act and how the people in your organization present themselves. If your brand story clearly dictates that you are dedicated to fighting climate change and keeping the world clean and green, you can’t have your employees’ actions contradicting that. Consistency – among all aspects of your brand – is key.
4) Authenticity
People can tell the real from the fake from a mile away. Your current and prospective clients will be able to tell if you’re being genuine or putting on a show to increase your organizations metrics.
5) Emotion
People are driven by emotion – often more than logic – so being able to evoke an emotional response from your audience is a must. Emotion drives action and you want people to take action.
6) Audience
Know your audience. Who are you telling your story to and why should they care to hear it? Who is going to have the greatest response and benefit from what you’re doing?