Presentation Skills
presentation skills training... For anyone who either feels nervous in presenting, or anyone who simply wants some key hints and tips to present powerfully – and to get honest and balanced feedback to help them improve.
90 minute, half & full day workshopsStorytelling Workshops
Storytelling Workshops
&Storytelling Training Courses
Storytelling has of course been around for a long, long time. But it's only relatively recently that its power for influence, rapport and presentations has come to the fore...
Listen to, and watch, some of the great speakers and leaders: Ken Robinson, Steve Jobs, Ben Zander...and you can see how important storytelling is for each of them, and how it makes their talk - and their leadership - more engaging and powerful.
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view availability & bookStorytelling Workshop Content
Learn from the experts
This involves some pre-course work: we want you to watch 6 storytelling experts at work, so we can discuss the art of storytelling on the course.
What makes for great story?
We'll dissect the stories of our sample group, and distil the key components that seem to make for a great story.
Key skills
Good stories are the what of storytelling; as important - perhaps more so - is how the stories are told. What are the key skills a great storyteller needs - and do you have them?
Metaphors, quotes and jokes
Metaphors are particular forms of story telling - as are quotes and even jokes. Why? What do these three devices have in common so that they can be considered as 'alternative forms of storytelling'?
Creating your own story
You can of course use someone else's story, and if it's good enough, relevant, and well told, it will work well. But best of all is a personal story, a personal experience that carries a key message. The full day course will ask you to build your own story...so come prepared!
Who is storytelling training for?
Storytelling workshops are ideal for anyone in a leadership or influence position, or who makes a lot of presentations, who would like to learn how to gain attention and motivation through storytelling. Our storytelling courses are of particular relevance to anyone who wants to:
Study the examples of expert storytellers, and diagnose what makes them, and the story, so great.
Know the ingredients of a good story, and the key skills of a good storyteller.
Consider the use of metaphors, quotes and jokes as alternate forms of storytelling.
Learn how to build their own story.
Prefer to talk to a human?
We'd love to (e)meet you. Book a video call now and we can have a vitual coffee and chat about what you're looking for.
schedule a chatStorytelling Workshop Activities
The starting point is pre-course work; the courses will all require the participants to have watched some showcase storytelling, which will be analysed and discussed over the three courses. The shortest (90 minute) storytelling workshop will concentrate on dissecting the 6 storytelling examples, and identifying the what and how of storytelling; the half day course will build on this, in particular looking at the key skills of a storyteller, and how to use metaphor, quotes and jokes. The full day storytelling course will ask each participant to put all the learning together to build their own story - then present it.
Never 'death by powerpoint'
We always provide a variety of learning approaches in each of our workshops.
Each workshop typically includes learning input from the trainer, supported by a range of mixed media, interactive elements, discussion and group work. Most workshops also include case work and practical skill-development activities to apply the learning, with more time dedicated to this in the longer courses.
'Want more?' resource pack
In addition to providing a copy of any slide deck, we always provide a ‘want more’ section, of curated resources including book summaries, podcasts, downloads and articles.
casework
action learning set
reflection & consolidation
open discussion
your ideas & suggestions
core learning input
video
facilitation
The course was over too quickly, and had definitely whetted my appetite. The ‘want more’ section was a brilliant additional support, allowing me to explore the topic further.
What are the benefits of storytelling training?
Greater ability to incorporate storytelling into any presentation or talk
Be more able to identify stories with potential
More options to consider when presenting - including your own story
Gain greater rapport with your audience
Storytelling Workshop Frequently Asked Quesitons
Are some people natural storytellers?
Yes - but equally, others can learn how to select, create then deliver a story. It's like musical ability: some are born with a natural talent, but many others can learn to play an instrument to a high standard (and that's a metaphor).
What's the key skill to be an effective storyteller?
The courses will cover this in depth, but a useful starting point is already having a love of stories; if you don't appreciate stories, it's unlikely you will have the motivation or commitment to use them yourself.
If I write my own story, how do I know it will work?
Try it out on someone who will give you honest and balanced feedback. It's often true that the author is too close to the story, and may over-cook some elements, and leave others out. A helpful trial audience can offer really useful feedback - because the story has to work for your audience, rather than you...
Which of these storytelling training courses should I take?
The choice is yours, but you can get most of the ideas taking the half day workshop; but if you want to have a go at writing your own story and getting feedback, then the full day course should be your choice.
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