Why Stories Matter
Why are stories important in Army Public Affairs?
Stories help build public trust and humanize the Army's mission.
What are the three criteria for a compelling Army story?
Mission relevance, human interest, and innovation/community impact.
What is the most important part of a pitch to grab attention?
The opening hook.
What are two tips for confident pitch delivery?
Use strong body language and engaging tone.
What are the three story sources mentioned in the training?
Events, milestones, and interviews.
What audiences are typically targeted by Army Public Affairs stories?
Media, local communities, and Army leadership.
Where can Army Public Affairs professionals find potential stories?
Events, milestones, interviews, and social media posts.
Name three elements of an effective pitch.
Opening hook, concise summary, call to action.
Name one visual aid that can enhance your pitch.
Timelines, imagery, or charts.
What is the goal of the opening hook in a pitch?
To grab the audience’s attention immediately.
Name one example of an impactful Army story.
Examples include soldier profiles, rescue operations, or innovation achievements.
True or False: Every Army milestone is a suitable story for Public Affairs.
False—stories should meet criteria like relevance and human interest.
What is a call to action in the context of a pitch?
It encourages the audience to engage, such as media coverage or community involvement.
Why is tailoring your pitch important?
Different audiences require different focus and messaging for effectiveness.
Name one resource that can help improve storytelling and pitching skills.
Guides, templates, case studies, or feedback from peers.
How can storytelling shape the Army’s public image?
It makes the Army relatable and highlights positive contributions.
Why are human interest stories effective in Army Public Affairs?
They create emotional connections and resonate with audiences.
True or False: A pitch should be the same regardless of the audience.
False—pitches should be tailored to the specific audience.
True or False: Delivery is more important than the content of the pitch.
False—both delivery and content are essential for a successful pitch.
True or False: Feedback is only necessary after delivering the pitch.
False—feedback is helpful during preparation and after delivery.