Stories are powerful tools that can create change in several ways. They can grab people's attention on important issues, make abstract concepts more concrete, shape understanding of events, provide vicarious experiences, increase empathy, and influence norms. Research found that storytelling helped lower blood pressure as much as drug regimens for some patients. Effective stories feature characters audiences relate to, depict consequences of behaviors, and teach knowledge and skills through ongoing storylines. Transmedia stories spread across media can drive behavior change through immersive engagement combined with real world impact.

1. Storytelling for Health Nedra Weinreich Weinreich Communications @Nedra

2. Those who tell the stories rule the world. - Hopi Proverb (or Plato)

3. Stories are powerful.

4. This doesn’t work.

5. Where is their attention?

6. How do stories create change? • Grab people's attention to focus on our issues • Make abstract concepts more concrete and relevant • Shape people's understanding/interpretation of issues and events • Provide vicarious experiences that prepare individuals for real-world situations • Increase empathy for others • Persuade people of the importance or benefits of taking action • Strengthen relationships between individuals or across groups • Influence perceptions of social norms

7. Photo: David Salafia “ While all the patients who received the storytelling DVD had better blood pressure control on average, those who started out with uncontrolled hypertension were able to achieve and maintain a drop as significant as it had been for patients in previous trials testing drug regimens .” Houston, et. al, Culturally Appropriate Storytelling to Improve Blood Pressure: A Randomized Trial, Ann Intern Med, January 18, 2011 154:77-84

8. Entertainment Education

10. Transmedia Stories

11. Moving the “Fourth Wall”

12. Immersive Engagement for Change = Behavior Change Model + Good Storytelling + Ubiquitous Media + Participatory Experience + Real World

13. Transmedia for Good Facebook Group http://on.fb.me/TM4Good