Strategic Storytelling: Elevate Presentations, Pitches, and Team Meetings

Overview

Storytelling isn’t just for books and movies—it’s a critical skill in today’s workplace. Whether you’re leading a team meeting, presenting a new idea, or navigating tough conversations, the ability to tell a clear, engaging story can set you apart.

In this course, you'll explore how storytelling fuels better communication, stronger leadership, and greater trust. You'll gain tools to craft compelling narratives, strengthen your public speaking presence, and use story-driven techniques in everyday scenarios like interviews, presentations, team meetings, and pitches.

With real-world examples from professionals across industries—from law to design to academia—you’ll see how storytelling drives connection and impact. You’ll also develop vocal and physical techniques to improve delivery, practice storytelling in various formats (oral, digital, interactive), and learn how to bring out stories in others to foster a more collaborative, communicative work environment.

No storytelling experience is required—just a desire to improve how you connect and communicate at work.
While some fields may seem more inclined toward story than others, everyone in the workforce encounters moments of stage fright where they can apply storytelling to become more captivating, confident, successful humans.

Syllabus

Week One

In week one, we will discuss the different aspects of the body that make up our voices and check in with ourselves to discover our vocal ranges. We will explore the implications of changes in tempo, gesture, volume, pitch, timbre, and silence, and observe how different locations change the style of a presentation. At the end of the week, enjoy an interview with Jean Andzulis, whose acting background influences the way she approaches her work as Director of Special Projects at Boomerang Water.

Week Two

This week, we will focus on the elements of a story. What are ethos, logos, and pathos, and which is most important? How do you organize a story to maintain interest? Throughout the week, Moth Grand Slam champion Will Clegg will offer his insights into telling a compelling, emotional story.

Week Three

Now that you have the building blocks of a story, how do you want to use them? This week, we encourage you to begin telling your own stories, varying the lengths and focuses so you can adapt your stories to various situations, including pitches, networking, and job interviews. Maribel Lara, Senior VP and Head of Consulting at The Sasha Group, shares her expertise on how to effectively frame and pitch an idea.

Week Four

In this final week, we'll pull everything together into a final capstone presentation. Build a slide deck, find your style, rehearse and share your work. John Corso-Esquivel, Associate Professor of Art at Davidson College, shares his slide deck on how to present a slide deck.