As I spent a year being a UX Writer, it has given me a newfound respect for the power of the words we choose to reverberate. “Happy Tales” - the name gives it away, however, one of the main initiatives behind this app was to tell the stories of shelter dogs who have been rescued and given another chance to live a happy life. The intention is to ignite emotion, whilst also removing the stigma around shelter dogs.
Through my research, I learned that some prospective dog owners would overlook the option of adoption because they have a fear that the dogs are ‘Traumatised’, ‘Angry’, Vicious’… I could go on. Although, yes some shelter dogs may have past traumas etc. this could be true for any dog. The goal is for these stigmas to be fully eradicated. What better way to do that, than by facing them with the beautiful realities that contradict them?
Throughout my app, I am going to have a section dedicated to telling stories of successful adoptions. Here is an idea of what these will look like.
I came across this really interesting article by Tony Robbins, the American coach & speaker.
“Stories are one of the most powerful tools you can use to engage and connect with your audience. The power of a single story goes far beyond simply relaying facts and data and can be a highly effective tool to create customer loyalty. Stories emotionalise information. They give colour and depth to otherwise bland material and they allow people to connect with the message in a deeper, more meaningful way. Those potential customers can then connect with your product, service and your entire business in a way that will make you talkably different.”
The power of storytelling helps you to connect to your user on an emotional level. It’s about finding that emotional core of your message. It’s an opportunity to be authentic Every story you tell needs to inform, entertain or impact them in some meaningful way.
If done well and done correctly, the power of a great story can have a massive effect on the audience. It can inspire, enliven and create instant rapport. It can move an audience to take action and it can change lives. Never underestimate the power of storytelling and never underestimate the intelligence of your audience. Play it truthfully and emotionally, create a dialogue and you will see how the power of story may just become the most important tool in your arsenal.
I am going to use this advice to benefit the language of the stories.