Storytelling can be a powerful, strategic tool for organizations. Businesses, not-for-profits, governments and social enterprises with strong stories have shown to be more efficient, and their employees happier, healthier and more loyal.
Tap into your organization’s origins, mission and values, and personal stories of employees and management, to explore the building blocks of compelling stories, and how they are applied and communicated in organizational settings.
Through a variety of engaging and practical exercises, real-world examples and individual assignments, gain the tactics and tools to communicate your organization’s stories clearly and convincingly. Understand which types of stories to tell, which to avoid, and which should never be told. Appreciate story as a means to influence, persuade and share your experiences for maximum effect.
Come away with the skills to develop a story from beginning to end, the ability to spot emerging stories, and a richer perspective on your own stories.
Finish the course with your own fully developed written or spoken story that you can use for your business or organization.
This course is ideal for communicators, marketers, public relations professionals, human resources practitioners, entrepreneurs and leaders.
Course overview
Week 1: The Power of Story to Drive Culture, Engagement and Profit
Week 2: Case Studies and Best Practices in Action (Part 1 − Beginnings)
Week 3: Case Studies and Best Practices in Action (Part 2 − Middles)
Week 4: Case Studies and Best Practices in Action (Part 3 − Endings)
Week 5: Using Emotion Effectively in Professional Contexts
Week 6: Bridging Professional and Personal Stories
Week 7: How to Deliver Written and Spoken Stories
Week 8: Bringing it All Together with Polish and Poise
How am I assessed?
This course is marked complete/incomplete, and is based on your attendance and participation. Your instructor provides you personalized feedback on the assignments you hand in.
Expected effort
You should allow two to three hours per week to complete your assignments, read articles and case studies, watch videos and participate in optional drop-in Zoom sessions.
Technology requirements
To take this course, you’ll need access to:
- an email account
- a computer, laptop or tablet under five years old and using Windows or Mac Operating System (OS)
- the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
- a reliable internet connection
- a video camera and microphone on your device if you wish to join the Zoom drop-in sessions.
Course format
This course is 100% online and instructor-supported. There are no live online classes. You can log on at any time, and complete coursework at your own pace. Every week, your instructor releases a new lesson, which includes notes, articles, readings and resources, exercises and assignments.
Weekly office hours
Wednesdays, 6:15 - 7:00pm Pacific Time
This course offers optional weekly drop-in virtual office hours. Join your instructor and classmates by video conferencing to discuss course materials and assignments, receive feedback and ask questions. Receive feedback, and discuss assignments with your instructor and classmates.
Please note you can log in to your course for up to three weeks after the course ends. You'll no longer be able to access course materials after this time.