Spinning wool into gold: Storytelling for communication in innovation, March 13

“People think that stories are shaped by people. In fact, it’s the other way round…”
-Terry Pratchett

Stories have been the most powerful form of human communication for thousands of years. A good story will connect, engage, inspire and, importantly, be remembered. A well told story has the ability to stick with people long after the facts and figures have faded. It has the best chance of convincing an audience of the truth of its values or ideas.

For the innovator or entrepreneur stories can provide vital insight into problems that need to be solved, explain their innovations and crucially provide a route to engaging with key stakeholders.

This fun and creative workshop aims to equip participants with an understanding of the scientific evidence for storytelling, and the components that make a memorable story. By the end of the day you can leave with the tools to turn your ideas into stories that are authentic, memorable, will engage and entertain.

Components of the day

• Neuroscience of story (talk)
• What makes a good story? Examples (presentations)
• What makes a good story? Elements (interactive)
• Storymaking: creativity games (interactive)
• Storymaking: group work and presentation (participant led)

Feedback from previous workshop for University of Exeter MBA course:  “…the students loved the experience – and even better – constantly referenced story telling during the last day of the module today. Your message got through – and origin stories were flying thick + fast in class!! You both…….. opened a new door on innovation for the group.”     

To book and for more details, email chris@localsparktorbay.org

Facilitators:

Veronica Conboy is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, and outside of work has performed as a traditional storyteller for 12 years. Combining these two fields, she runs storytelling workshops in healthcare settings for wellbeing and for corporate communication.

Matt Halkes is a consultant anaesthetist and provides clinical leadership for innovation at Torbay Hospital.  This role aims to create the conditions and resources required so that innovators in the organisation can deliver value from their ideas.