A Toolkit for Storytelling in Development Communication
With your permission [thank you :)], I am going to use a straightforward list for this post. There are several things in my toolkit as I plan on a story for development communication. I am ready for my field trip to collect success stories when I have the following:
Consent forms – and where possible, be ready to translate them for the locals you are visiting. Whatever the case, be sure to explain to the beneficiaries of the programme or project you represent what your intention is and how you plan to use their story.
Prepare a questionnaire or list of questions to work with in your interviews with beneficiaries.
Voice recorder. These days phones have recorders too. You can also use voice notes and send them to yourself via WhatsApp or Telegram and download them onto your computer when you are able.
Camera [together with memory cards and backups] – because a picture is worth a thousand words. Again, these days, some phones can do the job. You do not need to be the best photographer on the planet; you just need to be able to point, keep a steady hand, and click.
Laptop. Sometimes I had to send in a story while I was still in the field and having a laptop made this possible.
If you double as photographer, you might want to ensure you have Lightroom installed on your computer/laptop.
Notepad – you can also type on your phone or use voice memos. Please pack a couple pens and pencils.
Power bank and any other back up power supply for your gadgets.
Other Important Items
Comfortable shoes [sneakers work like a charm]. Sometimes cars cannot go beyond a certain point, but our legs can.
If you can, pack a pair of gumboots. Some places will be waterlogged or muddy. I remember a beneficiary story that led me and the transport officer to park the car by a murram road and walk-through thickets and muddy areas, to find the beneficiary in their garden. That day, I wished I had gumboots.
Pack a hat.
Pack an umbrella.
You will need water.
