This workshop focuses on oral communications and engaging your audience through the telling of stories. It is not a a story-writing workshop.
Why should you attend?
This one-day workshop has been designed for all communicators: professional and non-professional. In particular, it has been created for those who already understand the potential of stories and narratives and who would like to learn more about building better understanding and incorporating compelling narratives into their work.
Participants taking part in this dynamic workshop will have the opportunity to craft a three to five minute organizational change, internal or external communications story and to participate in an interactive storytelling session.
Stories and narratives are one of the most powerful tools available to us. They have the potential to educate, motivate and activate listeners from all walks of life. Stories and narratives are economical, reliable, easy to use and, most importantly, outcome-driven. A well-crafted story or political narrative has the power to transport the listener from a place of comfort and familiarity to an entirely new location where he or she is ready, willing and waiting to take action.
What will you learn?
By attending this workshop you will better understand and become more knowledgeable about the role of stories and narratives in all aspects of communications. You will learn about the psychology that underlines all storytelling. And, you will learn how to differentiate the soft side of storytelling from punch-packing political narratives.
You will strengthen your knowledge and skills through presentations, discussions and case study exercises. The focus of the workshop will be on:
- Understanding the concepts of storytelling in internal and external communications;
- Learning about the psychology behind storytelling;
- Knowing how to use hard-hitting narratives to capture and sustain listeners’ attention;
- The role of the ‘Springboard Story’ in organizational change; and
- The skills and techniques required to enhance story creation and storytelling abilities.
What will you take away?
- Workbook, handouts and references
- Certificate of completion
Professional Competencies
- Engagement: Working effectively with people, organizations and partners
Meet Your Instructor
Leah Jurkovic, President CEC
Leah has over 25 years of experience working at the intersection of communications, organizational change, and cultural transformation. As a former executive at Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), Leah led both the communications and human… Read full bio
Sample Agenda
| Activity |
|---|
| Introductions and Workshop Overview • Participant introductions and workshop expectations • Instructor introduction, workshop overview and learning outcomes |
| Introduction to Storytelling: Once Upon a Time… • During this introductory session, key concepts will be defined and further elaborated • Participants will discuss the dynamic set of interactions that make storytelling possible |
| The Fundamentals of Story Telling and Communications Participants will learn about the relationship between storytelling and communications |
| BREAK |
| The Psychology Behind Storytelling • Participants will focus on the dynamic interrelationship of the storyteller and the listener • The discussion will move from simple storytelling to the role of direct and indirect narratives |
| Storytelling Preparation Session • The participants will discuss the merits of the story ideas identified in response to the pre-workshop ‘thinking assignment’ • The group will help refine each story idea |
| LUNCH |
| The Essentials of Story Selection, Development and Social Media Participants will learn how to identify and build a story including stories that will be used for social media. |
| Best Practices in Storytelling Techniques Participants will discuss a range of tried and tested best practices in storytelling techniques. |
| The Political Side of Storytelling • Participants will learn how political narratives are used to capture peoples’ attention and to change peoples’ views • Participants will also discuss the role of stories in organizations including the role of the ‘Springboard Story’ |
| BREAK |
| Videotaped Presentations and Feedback • While being videotaped and in front of the group, participants will present their stories. Stories will be played back, reviewed and discussed as a class • Participants will be provided with an electronic copy of their respective story presentation upon request |
| Wind Down and Evaluation Participants will discuss the lessons learned and complete a short evaluation of the workshop. |
I had a really good experience. I heard good things about your training before, and I wasn’t disappointed.