Tell Your Story: If We All Do A Little, No One Will Have To Do A Lot
I interviewed an Ohio pig farmer not too long ago who told me, "I'm not good at this ... trying to talk about myself."
I could tell he was a little uncomfortable talking to “media.” I get it. I know it’s not easy to talk about yourself – especially to someone you don’t know. But from my perspective, the story wouldn’t be as good unless I learned more about who he was as a person and a leader in the industry.
So, I had to get creative. As our conversation continued and I asked the questions in different ways, he began to open up and even joked about my approach – figuring out what made him light up and connecting with him on shared passions.
That same week, Chad Bell, an Illinois pig and grain farmer, admitted saying “yes” to be a voice for agriculture hasn’t always been comfortable. Bell was recently featured in a Super Bowl commercial in select Illinois markets as part of an Illinois Farm Families campaign.
He mentioned how enlightening it has been to host state and federal elected officials on his farm over the years and how that’s helped him better understand the importance of sharing his story.
"You don’t realize how impactful you can be until you put yourself into those situations. If we don’t take the time to advocate for our livelihood – agriculture – who will? If everyone did a little, nobody would have to do a lot,” Bell says.
Whether it’s sharing our story with media or opening up in a friendship, it is hard to talk about ourselves. We risk a little something every time we do. But, there's so much potential connection we gain.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned years ago, before I knew I wanted to be an agricultural communicator, was the importance of repetition and practice.
I loved participating in FFA contests – especially livestock judging and public speaking. I learned quickly if you wanted to do well in those contests, you had to put in your time practicing ... over and over again. I would stand in front of my mirror in my room and give my speech on Symbol II until I lost my voice. I’d stay up late writing down terms and practicing new ways to say things in my oral reasons.
It’s overwhelming just how many skills I gained through all of that contest preparation: self-motivation, sacrifice, dedication, work ethic, confidence, trust, public speaking and the list goes on. But one of the lessons I learned that’s become more evident now that I’m older is with time and practice, it gets a little easier to share your message and that message flows a little smoother.
Now I won’t deny that sometimes it’s hard to let go of your message and share it with others. I experience that quite a bit as a storyteller for agriculture. Some stories I share just mean more and it’s risky to chance someone picking it apart.
But the more we do it, the easier it gets. As Bell says, if we all do a little, no one will have to do a lot.
We can all share facts and figures, but don’t doubt the value of your personal story. Embrace it. Say yes to opportunities that come your way to share your story – whether it’s to a classroom of second graders or visiting with media about your farming practices. Each of us play an important role in spreading truth and perspective about agriculture.
As I walked away from my conversation with the shy pig farmer, I was reminded that every voice matters – no matter how loud or quiet it is. That’s what energizes me to do what I do every day. It’s a great honor to help tell those stories in the pork industry and beyond. I’m so grateful that even though he wasn’t super comfortable talking about himself, he still made the choice to do it. He said yes. And sometimes that’s the even bigger story.
Read More from Jennifer Shike:
Why You Should Prioritize People
Mental Toughness: Make the Most of What Life Throws at You
Every Decision is an Investment
