Storytelling for Deck Writers: Virtual Half-Day Workshop

Description

As a deck writer or subject matter expert, you know the struggle: condensing complex information into brief documents for senior leaders while wondering if you're giving them what they actually need. You carefully craft presentations filled with critical data, only to hear that they "didn't quite land" or "missed the mark" with decision-makers.

This challenge is compounded by creating presentations that someone else will deliver to an audience you may never meet. This separation makes it difficult to gauge what will resonate, what might be challenged, or what critical points might get overlooked. This introductory session to storytelling is designed as a balanced mix of lecture content and interactive exercises.

Note: this is not a workshop on data visualization or PowerPoint layout.  It is a course on “getting your story straight” before writing your deck.  Participants will be invited to share a brief work story and receive feedback. 

Want a deeper dive? Join the full-day in-person session here. 

You Will Learn:

• The Curse of Knowledge – Understanding how your deep expertise makes it difficult to remember what it's like not to know what you know, causing you to create materials that make perfect sense to you but overwhelm your audience
• Identifying Needs of the Audience – Techniques to anticipate what senior leaders are looking for and how to deliver it effectively
• Why Storytelling is an Effective Technique – The science behind why narrative structures improve comprehension and retention, and the importance of getting your story straight before presenting data
• Thinking Like a Presenter – How to prepare for and act in real-world decision-making environments
• Tips for Storytelling in Government – Practical approaches you can apply immediately to your next briefing
• Tips for Executive Presence – Essential strategies for developing presence and authority in your materials, even when you're not the one delivering them

Duration

• Half-day virtual session (3 hours) with strategic breaks designed to maximize your learning and application potential.

Space is limited to allow active engagement. Secure your place now by clicking the registration button below!

Special Offers

Take advantage of these exclusive discounts available when registering for IOG courses:

1. Group Course Discount: Register 3 or more colleagues together for the same course and receive 10% off your total registration fee.  
   Learning together builds team capacity—and helps you save on training costs.
2. Individual Bundle Discount: Register as an individual for 3 or more courses at the same time and save 10% on your total registration fee.
   Advance your professional development while maximizing value.

Facilitators

John Stroud is a strategic adviser to leaders on linking people with technology. His vision opens people’s minds to new possibilities, and he challenges them to consider creative options. People turn to John for plainspoken, easy-to-understand explanations.

John is a certified OpenExO consultant in exponential technologies. Prior to launching AI Guides, John served as Vice President, Strategy at a federal crown corporation ($600M budget and 8000+ workforce) with responsibilities for Governance, Human Resources, Communications, Legal, Performance Measurement and Risk.

John obtained his Masters of Philosophy from Oxford, his law degree and Masters of Public Administration from the University of Victoria, and his BA from the University of Toronto. He also obtained his ICD.D for completing the Director’s Education Program at the Institute of Corporate Directors.

 (French-language facilitator)

Vickie Lemire est facilitatrice et coach en développement du leadership. Elle accompagne les professionnels et les équipes à renforcer leurs compétences en communication, en leadership et en collaboration pour gagner en impact et en cohésion.

Certifiée aux outils psychométriques MBTI et DYNAMIX®, elle aide ses participants à mieux se connaître, à affiner leur style de communication et à raconter des histoires qui mobilisent et inspirent. Diplômée d’un MBA de l’École de gestion Telfer, elle pilote également un programme de formation pour les futurs conseillers en gestion, axé sur l’aisance relationnelle et la conception de présentations percutantes.

Son approche participative allie rigueur et spontanéité. Elle crée des espaces authentiques où les échanges, les récits et les expériences deviennent de puissants leviers de croissance, d’apprentissage collectif et de leadership.