Writing Success Stories (projection version) RMU - Richard.pptx

Success stories

1. Success Story Writing Richard Uku Senior Advisor Communication & External Relations Department African Development Bank 7 March 2022

2. What is an African Development Bank success story? A narrative—usually between one and two pages It shows how the program/project evolves. It demonstrates value. It informs stakeholders about results - impact.

3. Reaching different audiences Before writing, we must consider who our primary audience(s) is (are). Consider audience needs, interests, or concerns. These could vary from one audience to the next. What matters to them? What do they care about? Meaningful outcomes? How will audiences use the success story?

4. Formatting the story A GOOD TITLE IS INVALUABLE!!! Capture the overall message of the story. Include a good, strong action verb. Capture the reader’s attention.

5. Give the development challenge overview Describe the development challenge being addressed. Say why the challenge is important. Frame the issue with data. Specify the affected population(s).

6. Describe the program/project Identify who was involved, including our partners. Describe the program or activity implemented. Include where and when and how it addressed the development challenge. Identify the target audience of the program or activity. Describe how the progress of the program or project was evaluated. State how Bank Group support contributed to the program of activity.

7. Describe program/project outcomes Identify the short-term or intermediate and long-time outcomes. Provide a conclusion to the success story. Avoid using broad, sweeping statements like: “There was a noticeable increase in nutrition interventions.”

8. Additional information Be sure to include the following: The African Development Bank Group name Name and credentials of program/project contact: address, e-mail, phone #s Bank website address Other supporting materials like testimonials, beneficiary and partner quotes, press releases, promotional materials, project photos, video/audio clips

9. Useful tips on style … 1/3 Keep sentences short. Keep paragraphs short—three to four sentences. Keep story to no more than two pages. Stick to the facts. Don’t interject an opinion unless you attribute it to someone. Avoid using passive voice (e.g., “Training was provided by…”). Use active voice (e.g., “X partner provided Y training”). Be clear about who is doing the action in every sentence.

10. Useful tips on style … 2/3 Include direct quotes if they strengthen the story. Limit acronym use and if used, spell them out on first mention. Use plain language - Avoid verbosity - Less is more. Pay attention to flow. Every sentence should relate to the next. But be careful of carrier words like “and,” “but,” “also,” “while,” and “in addition.”

11. Useful tips on style … 3/3 Avoid jargon. Keep messages simple and concise. Every word must support the message, and not the other way around.