Storytelling and Presentation Skills

Module 1: The Foundations of Storytelling in Professional Contexts

Objective: To understand the role of storytelling in effective communication and its impact on professional settings.

Key Topics:

• The psychology of storytelling: Why stories captivate and inspire.

• Core elements of compelling stories: Characters, conflict, and resolution.

• Different storytelling frameworks (e.g., Freytag’s Pyramid, Hero’s Journey).

Practical Activities:

• Participants share a short story about their professional journey and receive feedback.

• Deconstructing famous corporate presentations or TED Talks for storytelling techniques.

Module 2: Crafting a Narrative for Maximum Impact

Objective: To learn how to structure and tailor stories to specific audiences and goals.

Key Topics:

• Identifying your core message: What do you want your audience to feel, think, or do?

• Adapting stories for various audiences and cultural contexts.

• Integrating data and evidence into storytelling without losing emotional appeal.

Practical Activities:

• Participants outline a story relevant to their current professional challenges.

• Group work: Iterative refinement of story outlines using peer and instructor feedback.

Module 3: Presentation Techniques: Visual and Verbal Excellence

Objective: To master the tools and techniques for delivering visually appealing and engaging presentations.

Key Topics:

• Designing impactful slides: Simplicity, clarity, and visual hierarchy.

• Body language, voice modulation, and managing nervousness.

• Using metaphors, analogies, and visuals to enhance storytelling.

Practical Activities:

• Participants practice delivering a short presentation, focusing on body language and vocal delivery.

• Peer critique session to identify areas of improvement and strengths.

Module 4: Interactive Storytelling and Audience Engagement

Objective: To develop skills for interacting with audiences and adapting presentations dynamically.

Key Topics:

• Techniques for active audience engagement: Questions, polls, and humor.

• Handling difficult questions and managing challenging audience dynamics.

• Real-time adaptation: Reading the room and adjusting on the fly.

Practical Activities:

• Role-playing scenarios where participants manage audience interruptions or skepticism.

• Simulation of live storytelling and interactive Q&A sessions.

Module 5: Bringing It All Together: Final Presentation and Feedback

Objective: To synthesize all skills learned and deliver a polished final presentation.

Key Topics:

• Rehearsal techniques for professional settings.

• Building confidence through preparation and feedback.

• Leveraging storytelling in different professional formats: Pitches, reports, and speeches.

Practical Activities:

• Participants deliver a final presentation using storytelling techniques and receive comprehensive feedback from peers and instructors.

• Group discussion on lessons learned and next steps for improving storytelling and presentation skills.

Registration Fee: CHF 150 (part of the overall course fee). This fee is non-refundable if the participant cannot attend.

Refund Policy:

• The course fee is invoiced 3 months prior to the course start.
• 100% refund if canceled 4 weeks or more before the course start.
• 30% refund if canceled 2 weeks before the course start.
• No refund if canceled less than 2 weeks before the course start.