Thoughts

Richard Hall 14/10/2025 Richard Hall 14/10/2025

The time for ethical storytelling is now

Last week, Refugee Action brought together over 100 charities to send a letter to the Labour Home Secretary with the following message:

Stop blaming migrants and tackle the UK’s real problems.

What I like best about this message is its ambition; more than a counterargument, it seeks to change the whole conversation. But you can’t deny the emotional power of anti-migrant narratives. So what can the charity sector do to reclaim emotional storytelling for social good?

Richard Hall 03/10/2023 Richard Hall 03/10/2023

Children’s Stories, Charity Stories, and Emotional Punches

What is it about children’s stories and the darkest reaches of human nature? Like purpose-led storytelling, they engage our moral consciences.

Richard Hall 01/02/2023 Richard Hall 01/02/2023

Storytelling and Why I Believe in Fairies

Most people may claim not to believe in fairies. But when push comes to shove, they’d rather not risk upsetting them.

Richard Hall 01/12/2022 Richard Hall 01/12/2022

Ten Tips for Unlocking Emotional Stories in Interviews

When interviewing people on the front line of our public services, getting to what they really feel can be tricky. Especially when they’re men.