Storying the Self: Telling our Stories from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Public & Private Stories

Many factors go into whether and how we share aspects of ourselves. This week we'll explore the concepts of a 'soft launch' and 'soft landing' that can encourage meaningful growth and risk-taking in the ways that will help you move forward in leadership and creative contexts.

How Stories Shift, How they Stay the Same

Our stories are re-shaped and evolving all the time, both personally and culturally. We’re not fixed and neither are our experiences. This week we'll hear about the ways stories passed down through generations shift and evolve, and consider these shifts in our own lives.

Practicing Giving & Receiving Feedback

Giving and receiving feedback can be vulnerable, joyful, and can deepen relationships, even when there is room and respect to navigate conflict or differences. This week we are exploring micro-strategies for giving and receiving feedback in leadership and creative contexts in ways that are mindful of social identities and exisiting relationships.

Final Course Project: Polish & Share

As the final course project, you'll choose one of your creative pieces or leadership stories to develop further and share publicly. This could be a story or piece you have developed on your own, or something you created based on one of the course prompts. The final assignment guides you through the process of planning to share this story of yourself with others in ways that feel supportive and meaningful.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides guidance on sharing personal stories in a safe and meaningful way, which is relevant for leaders and creators

Encourages risk-taking and growth through the 'soft launch' and 'soft landing' concepts, which can be beneficial for leaders and creators

Focuses on developing strong leadership and creative storytelling skills through feedback and sharing, which can be valuable for leaders and creators

Covers various aspects of storytelling, including the evolution of stories over time and through different media, which can be insightful for leaders and creators

Provides practical strategies for giving and receiving feedback, which can be beneficial for leaders and creators in workplace settings

Requires learners to develop and share their own stories, which can provide practical experience and support to leaders and creators

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 Storying the Self: Telling our Stories with these activities:

Explore online tutorials on storytelling techniques for leaders

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Learn different storytelling techniques and strategies from experts to enhance your ability to communicate effectively and engage your audience.

Browse courses on Storytelling

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Search for online tutorials on storytelling techniques for leaders.
Watch a few tutorials and take notes on the key points.
Practice the techniques you learned in your own presentations.

Practice giving and receiving feedback on leadership presentations

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Receive constructive criticism and provide feedback to others to improve your communication and interpersonal skills, which are crucial for effective leadership.

Browse courses on Leadership

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Find a partner to practice giving and receiving feedback with.
Prepare a short presentation on a leadership topic.
Give each other feedback on the presentation, focusing on both strengths and areas for improvement.
Reflect on the feedback received and make adjustments to your presentation as needed.

Review the book 'Storytelling for Leaders' by Kindra Hall

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Offers insights into the power of storytelling in leadership and provides practical tips and exercises to help you develop your own leadership stories.

View The Story Edge: How Leaders Harness the Power... on Amazon

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Read the book actively, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
Reflect on how the concepts in the book apply to your own leadership experiences.
Consider how you can incorporate storytelling into your own leadership style.
Share your insights from the book with colleagues or mentors.

Four other activities

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Attend a conference or workshop on leadership communication

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Connect with other leaders, learn from experts, and gain insights into effective communication strategies for enhancing your leadership impact.

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Research upcoming conferences or workshops on leadership communication.
Register for and attend the event.
Network with other attendees and speakers.
Take notes and reflect on the key takeaways.

Create a storyboard for a story that reflects your leadership journey

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Develop a visual representation of your leadership journey, which can help you to clarify your values and connect with your audience.

Browse courses on Storytelling

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Identify the key moments and milestones in your leadership journey.
Sketch out a storyboard that includes images and text to represent each moment.
Review your storyboard and make any necessary revisions.
Share your storyboard with others for feedback.

Participate in a workshop on developing your personal leadership story

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Gain hands-on experience in crafting a compelling personal leadership story that resonates with your audience and enhances your ability to connect and inspire.

Browse courses on Leadership

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Research workshops on developing personal leadership stories.
Register for and attend a workshop that aligns with your learning needs.
Actively participate in the workshop exercises and discussions.
Reflect on the feedback received and refine your personal leadership story.

Develop a leadership case study based on a personal experience

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Reflect on a challenging leadership situation you faced and analyze how you addressed it, to enhance your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking.

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Select a personal leadership experience that presented a challenge.
Describe the situation, the challenges faced, and the actions taken.
Analyze the results of your actions and identify lessons learned.
Share your case study with others for feedback and discussion.

Career center

Learners who complete Storying the Self: Telling our Stories will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Content Writer

Content Writers use their creativity and exceptional communication skills to develop meaningful content that connects with the audience. This course can help you on your journey to becoming a Content Writer. By developing your storytelling abilities and refining your writing skills, you will be able to create influential content that resonates with readers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer

Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialists are responsible for managing an organization's reputation and communicating with the public. In this role, you will manage relationships with the media and develop media releases to share your organization's story effectively. This course can help you build a foundation in storytelling and media engagement, which are crucial skills for succeeding in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Journalist

Journalists seek and report on current events and stories that inform and engage the public. This course can be an excellent addition to your skillset and may help expand your career opportunities. By enhancing your storytelling abilities and learning to give and receive feedback effectively, you will be well-equipped to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers lead and develop marketing campaigns to promote products, services, or brands. This course may be useful in understanding how to engage with customers and build relationships through storytelling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Communications Manager

Communications Managers oversee all aspects of internal and external communication for an organization. You will develop and execute communication strategies, manage media relations, and serve as a spokesperson. This course can help you build a solid foundation in storytelling and communication, which are essential skills for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Manager

Public Speaker

Public Speakers engage with audiences to deliver discursos, presentations, and workshops. This course may be useful as you develop your public speaking and storytelling skills, which are crucial for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Speaker

Media Relations Manager

Media Relations Managers are responsible for managing relationships with the media and developing media releases to share their organization's story effectively. This course can help you build a foundation in storytelling and media engagement crucial skills for succeeding in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Media Relations Manager

Speechwriter

Speechwriters craft speeches and presentations for public figures and executives. This course may be useful as you develop your storytelling and speechwriting abilities, which are crucial for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speechwriter

Copywriter

Copywriters create persuasive and engaging written content like advertisements and marketing materials. This course can help you build a strong foundation in storytelling and writing, which are essential skills for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter

Editor

Editors review, revise, and refine written content to ensure clarity and accuracy. While prior experience in editing is helpful, this course may benefit your career trajectory as an Editor. The emphasis on storytelling techniques can enhance your understanding of narrative structure and flow, valuable skills in editing written works.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers develop and deliver educational programs and materials. This course may be useful in your journey to becoming an Instructional Designer. The focus on storytelling principles can help you create engaging and effective learning experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers enhance the usability and satisfaction of products and services. This course may be useful as you develop your storytelling and communication skills, which can help you better understand and meet the needs of users.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. While a background in nonprofit management is typically required, this course may be useful as you develop your storytelling and communication skills, helping you effectively convey your organization's mission and impact.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Social Media Manager

Social Media Managers plan and execute social media campaigns to engage with customers and build brand awareness. This course may be useful as you develop your storytelling and communication skills on social media.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Teacher

Teachers facilitate learning experiences for students. This course may be useful as you develop your storytelling and communication skills, helping you engage students and create a dynamic learning environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Storying the Self

Telling our Stories

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