Effective Storytelling

The programmes within this Communication pillar are not “off-the-shelf” courses. They are designed as a menu of development options that can be combined, adapted and shaped to reflect what is really happening inside your organisation. What initially presents as a “communication problem” frequently turns out to be something deeper – a question of confidence, trust, conflict, influence or clarity of management.

These outlines are therefore best read as catalysts for discussion – prompts to help you reflect on how people currently communicate, where friction or misunderstanding arises and what kind of development will genuinely shift behaviour. In practice, the most effective solutions often draw on complementary elements from across our other pillars – Personal Development, Management and Leadership, Business Development and Senior-Level Leadership and Talent Development. Every intervention we deliver is built in partnership with you, around your culture, your people and the outcomes you need to achieve.

By the end of this programme participants will be able to:

• Develop compelling story structures to strengthen communication
• Apply audience insight to build emotional connection
• Use storytelling techniques for business communication
• Adapt stories for multiple platforms and contexts
• Integrate visuals to support and sharpen the narrative
• Enhance presentation skills using narrative flow and engagement techniques

1.  Introduction to Effective Storytelling

• The importance of storytelling in business and communication
• Why stories help people understand and remember information

2. Knowing Your Audience

• Identifying what will resonate most
• Understanding needs, expectations and motivators

3. Elements of a Compelling Story

• Structure, conflict and resolution
• Characters, challenges and insight

4. Designing Your Narrative

• Clarifying message and purpose
• Building flow, pace and impact

5. Storytelling Across Platforms

• Adapting stories for presentations, written communication and digital channels
• Selecting visuals that strengthen the message

6. Storytelling in Business

• Using storytelling to support persuasion, leadership and collaboration
• Practical examples from workplace communication

7. Storytelling in Delivery

• Integrating narrative into presentations and conversations
• Responding to questions while maintaining message clarity

There are no specific prerequisites for this course.

Attendees may also be subsequently interested in

• Managing Productive Meetings
• High Impact Presentation & Communication Skills

Relevant for anyone who wants to:

• Strengthen communication impact
• Motivate and engage colleagues or stakeholders
• Present ideas with greater clarity and resonance
• Use stories appropriately in a professional environment
• Suitable for leaders, managers, sales professionals, trainers and anyone responsible for influencing others through communication.