Course Description
Storytelling for Online Audiences is a 1-day workshop focused on developing effective storytelling skills for virtual environments. The course explores how storytelling creates impact, builds relationships, enhances credibility, and drives engagement in online communications. Participants will learn practical techniques for crafting and delivering compelling stories that resonate with virtual audiences, moving beyond simple facts and figures to create meaningful connections.
Target Student
This course is designed for:
- Professionals who regularly present or communicate in virtual environments
- Business leaders and managers who need to engage online audiences
- Content creators and communicators who want to enhance their virtual storytelling skills
- Anyone looking to improve their impact and effectiveness in online communications
Prerequisites
- No formal prerequisites required
- Participants must complete pre-work assignments:
- Personal reflection on storytelling examples
- Watch assigned video clip (provided before the session)
Delivery Method
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define effective storytelling and explain its importance in online communication
- Identify appropriate opportunities for storytelling in various business interactions
- Structure and build impactful stories using proven frameworks
- Deliver stories effectively in virtual environments using appropriate presentation techniques
- Apply storytelling principles to enhance audience engagement and message retention
- Create and present a story incorporating learned techniques and receive feedback
Course Content
-
Welcome, objectives and introductions
- Welcome, objectives & agenda
- Introductions
- Storytelling example
- Storytelling exercise
-
What is storytelling and why is it important?
- Exploring and identifying:
- The importance of storytelling
- Where do we come across storytelling in our everyday lives?
- What defines a story?
- What makes a story impactful and memorable?
- Examples of storytelling and the impact it has had on us
- Personal examples
-
What opportunities do we have to use storytelling in our interactions (online or face to face)?
- Discussion:
- Who do we deal with?
- What types of interactions do we have?
- What do we want to achieve in these interactions?
- Where might storytelling play a part?
- "Facts tell, stories sell"
-
Building the story
- Discussion and sharing, including:
- Before we begin:
- Who is the audience?
- What is the key message/takeaway?
- What is the impact of this message?
- Opening the story: grabbing attention
- Structuring the story: unfolding and including the human element
- Travelling through the story: engaging the senses and building momentum
- Closing to ensure maximum results
-
Practical exercise
- Delegates have 3 minutes to tell a story about something they are passionate about
-
Delivering the story
- Discussion on the use of body language, tone of voice, the language we use
- Using visuals e.g. Powerpoint; charts; images; props
- Ensuring engagement in a virtual world
-
Case study
- Discussing and reviewing video example – what worked, what hints and tips do we take from this clip?
-
Practical exercise
- Each individual has 5 minutes to present, using storytelling in their presentation
- (Includes preparation time and feedback)
-
Personal actions
- Individuals share what they have taken from the session
-
Final reflections and close
