Storytelling for Public Servants: Full Day Workshop

Description

Ever notice how your carefully prepared briefing note or presentation seems to lose its impact the moment you present it? You're not alone.

Subject matter experts and leaders face a challenge—the "curse of knowledge." Your expertise is both your greatest asset and your biggest communication barrier. What's crystal clear to you often becomes a fog of information to your audience, especially when you, or your boss, has just minutes to make your case to senior decision-makers.

This is where storytelling becomes your professional superpower. Not as entertainment, but as a strategic communication tool used by the most influential leaders. Stories cut through complexity, create emotional connections, and make your insights unforgettable. They don't replace your evidence—they make it impossible to ignore.

 "But I'm not a storyteller," you might think.  Or, “Stories don't belong in professional settings." Think again. During this workshop, you'll discover that you already have powerful stories at your fingertips and that getting your story straight actually sharpens your analytical thinking. The clarity you gain will transform both your presentations and written documents.

Ready to communicate with the confidence and impact of a seasoned leader? Register now and join other forward-thinking public servants who are mastering this essential skill.

Prefer to attend online? Click here to access the webinar version of this course.

You will learn:

• The Science of Influence – Why the brain responds to stories when it ignores data alone, and how to leverage this in your professional communications.
• Your Untapped Story Arsenal – How to recognize, develop, and deploy the valuable stories you already have (even if you don't believe it yet).
• Strategic Narrative Development – How crystallizing your story first leads to sharper analysis and clearer recommendations that senior leaders can act on.
• Facts That Stick – Discover why people forget isolated facts but remember stories—and how wrapping your critical data points in narrative ensures they're retained and acted upon.
• Adjusting to Departmental Templates – How to incorporate storytelling even within the constraints of departmental templates and limited time allocations.
• AI as Your Storytelling Coach – Introduction to how artificial intelligence tools can help you develop, refine, and enhance your stories for maximum impact.

This isn't just another lecture. Come prepared to participate! You'll practice crafting and telling your stories, receive personalized coaching, and leave with specific techniques you can implement immediately. Our supportive environment focuses on constructive feedback that stretches your abilities while respecting your comfort level.

Duration:

• Full day training (9-4 PM), including networking lunch and strategic breaks designed to maximize your learning and application potential. 

Space is limited to ensure personalized attention. Secure your place now by clicking the registration button!

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.