Stories help people know what to do
Storytelling is one of my favorite topics. I often talk about stories as a way to get people to care about something. But that’s only part of what stories …
What’s wrong with your message? Make it more emotional
What’s more likely to get you to stop using pesticides on your lawn? Facts about possible impacts of pesticides on streams? Or the idea that you might harm your kids …
To make information stick, make it credible.
Why does some information stick and other information is quickly forgotten? One reason is that sticky information has more credibility. In Made to Stick, the Heath brothers offer some ideas …
A tiny bottle of arsenic
When Dave Galvin talks about why we need to manage hazardous waste from houses and small businesses, he sometimes holds up a tiny bottle of rat poison. It’s 100% arsenic. …
Santa Claus in an airline safety video?
Can you think of anything more boring than an airline safety announcement? When the flight attendant or video starts telling me how to fasten my seat belt, I quickly glance …
Keep it simple–but not stupid
In my first professional job, I worked for an academic book publisher, Westview Press. My role was book promotion, trying to persuade libraries and professors to buy our books. Each …
How to make your ideas stick like duct tape
Duct tape is designed for a long-term bond. If you’re trying to change someone’s behavior, beliefs or opinions, wouldn’t you like your ideas to stick in the same way? I’m …