Strategic Storytelling Structure, Content and Purpose

“Memorable Storytelling: for your voice to be heard and your projects to be seen.”

Strategic storytelling is a critical skill for environmental leaders, climate tech founders, and innovators who need to influence, inspire, and drive action. It’s not about idling recalling events without a structure. This hands-on workshop explores the art and science of crafting narratives that clarify complex ideas, engage stakeholders, and amplify impact. Data informs, but stories persuade. You’ll learn proven frameworks that make technical innovations stick, turn skeptical journalists into allies, and convert pitch decks into funded deals.

Participants build narratives that pass the elevator test and survive boardroom scrutiny. Through learning proven story structures, you will make complex innovations instantly compelling, particularly to non-technical audiences.

Research shows that stories, when told effectively, dramatically improve comprehension, retention, and persuasion. Today’s leaders recognize storytelling as essential for communicating strategy, shaping policy, and leading teams toward meaningful outcomes. This workshop is designed for professionals who want to communicate with authority, credibility, and authenticity.

Content:

The S.U.C.C.E.S. Story formula- a simple, practical way to easily sequence your story

Simple – Find the core of any idea. Your unique WHY.
Unexpected – Grab attention by surprising people
Concrete – Make ideas clear and understandable
Credible – Make people believe your ideas
Emotional – Help people feel something
Stories – Empower people to use ideas through narrative

1. Introductions and Needs Analysis – Identify participant challenges
2. What is Strategic Corporate Storytelling? – Clear definition and framework for understanding the concept
3. Storytelling vs. Corporate Storytelling – Key distinctions between traditional and business storytelling
4. The Power of Storytelling – Real-world applications across leadership, sales, and culture
5. Science of Storytelling – neuroscience principles explaining why stories work: neural coupling, dopamine and oxytocin effects
6. Story Arcs and Tension Escalation – Classic arc elements and techniques to build engagement
7. Finding and Crafting Stories – Where to source stories and the 6-step crafting process
8. Identifying Story Gems – Mining exercise with specific prompts to help participants uncover their own memorable moments
9. Types of Stories Most Needed in Business – Eight essential story types with purposes and examples:
   • Origin Stories
   • Vision Stories
   • Value Stories
   • Customer Success Stories
   • Learning Stories
   • Change Stories
   • Personal Brand Stories
   • Challenge/Solution Stories
10. Storytelling Delivery – Core delivery fundamentals including authenticity, energy, and presence
11. Skills to Boost Attention, Engagement, and Persuasion – Specific techniques for each outcome
12. Body Language for Stories – Key techniques and what to avoid, with the research-backed statistic about communication impact
13. Vocal Tips and Tricks – Detailed breakdown of volume, pace, pitch, pauses, emphasis, and vocal quality with practice exercises-Safe Checklist about keeping humans in control while using story frameworks safely with AI.

OUTCOMES:
This is a half-day interactive and high-impact training session. You will design, deliver, and refine your signature story with expert feedback— walking away camera-ready for your next investor meeting, media interview, or keynote moment. Participants will actively design, develop, and deliver their own stories, receiving real-time feedback to refine their messaging.
You’ll learn from an expert storyteller to identify your unique driving WHY statement, your content hooks, and a structured memorable delivery.

** Additional Resource:  A “Meet-The-Media” Q&A Panel Discussion half-day event is included, making it a full day. Attendees must have completed at least one FN Training Program to attend.  

TRAINER:

Scott Podmore:

Scott Podmore has spent three decades on both sides of the camera as an award-winning journalist grilling CEOs for News Ltd and Herald Sun, and as the strategic advisor preparing executives to ace those interviews. His media training and communications campaigns have served diverse clients from Brookfield Multiplex to the Government of Dubai, from Tourism Queensland to emerging green tech companies like Hydrogen Systems Australia. As Editor-in-Chief of Future Now Green News Aust-Asia, Scott bridges the Australia-Asia green economy divide, translating technical innovation into narratives that resonate with investors, media, and markets.

What makes Scott’s training special:

He knows what journalists are really asking, what investors actually care about, and importantly, how to make complex innovations compelling in 30 seconds or less.