Storytelling in the Workplace from edX

When you think about the most influential figures in your organization, in your country, and in the world, one of the qualities they all likely have in common is that they are exceptional storytellers. Everyone tells stories—that’s how we build community and share ideas. However, we don’t always tell our story as effectively as we intend to.

Stories, or narratives, in the workplace may take the form of email communications, proposals, briefs, project or product kickoffs, and presentations.

In this course, part of the Communication Skills Professional Certificate program, you’ll learn about the structure of a narrative and how it varies depending upon the situation, the medium used, and the audience. In today’s world of abbreviated messaging through a variety of devices, the importance of crafting a cohesive, professional, and understandable message to achieve a desired outcome is more important than ever.

You will learn how to create written messaging tailored to a target audience and how to determine the specific medium through which it should be communicated.

You will also study best practices for writing in all forms of media common to today’s workplace, focusing specifically on:

Structure
Point of view
Tone
Style

You will also study and analyze a variety of messages which use different writing styles directed toward specific target audiences.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand the elements of effective stories and how to use them in the workplace
How to tailor your messaging to a defined target audience

How to structure written messages for maximum audience impact, taking into consideration tone, style, point of view
How various platforms convey messages differently in a professional setting

Understand the elements of effective stories and how to use them in the workplace
How to tailor your messaging to a defined target audience
How to structure written messages for maximum audience impact, taking into consideration tone, style, point of view
How various platforms convey messages differently in a professional setting

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops tone, style, point of view, and structure, which are core skills for crafting professional written messages

Teaches how to tailor messaging to a defined target audience, which is standard in marketing and communications

Explores how various platforms convey messages differently in a professional setting, which is essential knowledge for communication professionals

Taught by Thomas Dooley, who is recognized for his work in communication and storytelling

Offers hands-on labs and interactive materials, which can enhance learning and retention

Explicitly requires that this course be taken in serial with others as part of a series, which may limit flexibility

Teaches how to determine the specific medium through which a message should be communicated, which can be useful in professional settings

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Storytelling in the Workplace with these activities:

Read 'Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die'

Show steps

Review key concepts from the book, such as simplicity, unexpectedness, concreteness, credibility, and emotions, to enhance your storytelling abilities.

View Made to Stick (Epilogue) on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book cover to cover, taking notes on the principles of effective storytelling.
Identify examples of successful and unsuccessful stories in your own experience and analyze them based on the principles discussed in the book.
Practice applying the principles to your own writing and presentations.

Engage in Online Storytelling Workshops

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Participate in online workshops led by experienced storytellers to learn best practices and techniques for crafting engaging narratives.

Browse courses on Narrative Development

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Research and identify reputable online storytelling workshops.
Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests and learning goals.
Actively participate in the workshop, taking notes and asking questions.

Develop a Storytelling Framework

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Create a comprehensive framework that outlines the elements of a compelling narrative, including structure, character development, and conflict resolution.

Browse courses on Narrative Structure

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Research different storytelling models and identify common elements.
Create a visual representation of your framework, such as a flowchart or diagram.
Apply your framework to analyze and improve your own storytelling.

Two other activities

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Show all five activities

Analyze Case Studies of Effective Storytelling

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Examine real-world examples of effective storytelling in various contexts, such as presentations, speeches, and written communication.

Browse courses on Case Studies

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Identify and collect case studies of successful storytelling campaigns or initiatives.
Break down each case study and analyze the storytelling techniques and strategies used.
Identify common patterns and best practices that contribute to storytelling success.

Mentor Aspiring Storytellers

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Share your storytelling knowledge and expertise by mentoring aspiring storytellers to improve their skills and confidence.

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Identify individuals or groups who are interested in improving their storytelling skills.
Provide guidance, support, and feedback to help mentees develop their storytelling abilities.
Share your own experiences and insights to inspire and motivate mentees.

Career center

Learners who complete Storytelling in the Workplace will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Communication Manager

Communication Managers create and execute strategic communications plans that help organizations achieve their objectives. They oversee all aspects of an organization's communication, including media relations, public relations, social media marketing, and employee communications. A course in storytelling can help Communication Managers develop the skills they need to create effective and persuasive communications that resonate with audiences. Storytelling is an essential skill for anyone working in communications, as it can help build relationships, engage audiences, and drive results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communication Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns that promote products or services to target audiences. They oversee all aspects of marketing, including market research, product development, pricing, and distribution. A course in storytelling can help Marketing Managers develop the skills they need to create effective and persuasive marketing campaigns that resonate with audiences. Storytelling is an essential skill for anyone working in marketing, as it can help build relationships, engage customers, and drive sales.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers build and maintain relationships with the media and other key stakeholders to promote an organization's image and reputation. They develop and execute public relations campaigns to manage communications during crises and special events. A course in storytelling can help Public Relations Managers develop the skills they need to create effective and persuasive communications that resonate with audiences. Storytelling is an essential skill for anyone working in public relations, as it can help build relationships, manage crises, and promote an organization's reputation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create user guides, technical manuals, and other documentation that helps users understand and use products or services. They work closely with engineers, scientists, and other technical experts to gather information and write clear and concise documentation. A course in storytelling can help Technical Writers develop the skills they need to create effective and persuasive documentation that resonates with audiences. Storytelling is an essential skill for anyone working in technical writing, as it can help build relationships, engage readers, and make complex information easy to understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Journalist

Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. They work for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. A course in storytelling can help Journalists develop the skills they need to create effective and persuasive stories that resonate with audiences. Storytelling is an essential skill for anyone working in journalism, as it can help build relationships, engage readers, and inform the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Content Creator

Content Creators develop and produce content for a variety of media, including websites, social media, and print. They work with writers, editors, designers, and other creatives to create content that is engaging, informative, and persuasive. A course in storytelling can help Content Creators develop the skills they need to create effective and persuasive content that resonates with audiences. Storytelling is an essential skill for anyone working in content creation, as it can help build relationships, engage audiences, and drive results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator

Speechwriter

Speechwriters write speeches for politicians, business leaders, and other public figures. They work closely with their clients to develop speeches that are clear, concise, and persuasive. A course in storytelling can help Speechwriters develop the skills they need to create effective and persuasive speeches that resonate with audiences. Storytelling is an essential skill for anyone working in speechwriting, as it can help build relationships, engage audiences, and persuade listeners.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speechwriter

Grant Writer

Grant Writers write grant proposals to secure funding for non-profit organizations, government agencies, and other organizations. They work closely with their clients to develop proposals that are clear, concise, and persuasive. A course in storytelling can help Grant Writers develop the skills they need to create effective and persuasive grant proposals that resonate with reviewers. Storytelling is an essential skill for anyone working in grant writing, as it can help build relationships, engage reviewers, and secure funding.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers develop and deliver training programs for employees, students, and other learners. They work closely with subject matter experts to develop training materials that are effective, engaging, and accessible. A course in storytelling can help Instructional Designers develop the skills they need to create effective and persuasive training materials that resonate with learners. Storytelling is an essential skill for anyone working in instructional design, as it can help build relationships, engage learners, and promote learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Librarian

Librarians help people find and use information. They work in a variety of settings, including public libraries, school libraries, and academic libraries. A course in storytelling can help Librarians develop the skills they need to create effective and persuasive presentations that resonate with audiences. Storytelling is an essential skill for anyone working in librarianship, as it can help build relationships, engage patrons, and promote literacy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Teacher

Teachers help students learn. They work in a variety of settings, including public schools, private schools, and charter schools. A course in storytelling can help Teachers develop the skills they need to create effective and persuasive lesson plans that resonate with students. Storytelling is an essential skill for anyone working in teaching, as it can help build relationships, engage students, and promote learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Salesperson

Salespeople sell products or services to customers. They work in a variety of settings, including retail stores, offices, and over the phone. A course in storytelling can help Salespeople develop the skills they need to create effective and persuasive sales presentations that resonate with customers. Storytelling is an essential skill for anyone working in sales, as it can help build relationships, engage customers, and close deals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Salesperson

Customer Service Representative

Customer Service Representatives provide assistance to customers. They work in a variety of settings, including call centers, retail stores, and online chat. A course in storytelling can help Customer Service Representatives develop the skills they need to create effective and persuasive responses that resonate with customers. Storytelling is an essential skill for anyone working in customer service, as it can help build relationships, resolve issues, and promote customer satisfaction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Representative

Recruiter

Recruiters find and hire new employees for companies. They work in a variety of settings, including corporate offices, staffing agencies, and online job boards. A course in storytelling can help Recruiters develop the skills they need to create effective and persuasive job descriptions that resonate with candidates. Storytelling is an essential skill for anyone working in recruiting, as it can help build relationships, attract top talent, and fill open positions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Recruiter

Event Planner

Event Planners plan and coordinate events, such as conferences, weddings, and parties. They work in a variety of settings, including hotels, event venues, and corporate offices. A course in storytelling can help Event Planners develop the skills they need to create effective and persuasive event proposals that resonate with clients. Storytelling is an essential skill for anyone working in event planning, as it can help build relationships, attract clients, and book events.

See salaries and explore the career path for Event Planner

Storytelling in the Workplace

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