Workshops & Presentations
Better Said Than Done teaches storytelling through workshops and presentations. We host approximately 10 workshops online a year, open to the public. In addition, we are available for hire to give presentations, lead webinars, or run workshops of one hour, one day, or one year for your organization. We also have coaching services for clients who need a little help jumping over some storytelling hurdles.
You can register for our public storytelling workshops as they come up. Follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, or check out our Events Calendar. More details about our workshop offerings below.
Corporate Programs
Storytelling is an important addition to your organization’s communication toolbox. Better Said Than Done can teach your team how to:
- Use storytelling to connect with your audience.
- Find and develop stories from your experience that bring your mission and results to life.
- Effectively and memorably communicate your message.
- Deliver compelling stories for publications, presentations, correspondence, or networking.
Our instructors are talented storytellers, seasoned performers, experienced teachers and trainers, and skilled communications professionals who understand the business realm. We have real-world experience running companies, working in communications, research, and academic settings, and interacting with a variety of industries.
Onsite corporate storytelling workshops
When you hire Better Said Than Done to present or lead a storytelling workshop for your organization, we tailor it to address your requirements and interests and for the skills and experience of those attending. Whether you need someone to help your research team turn data into stories, or work with staff from multiple departments to develop a unified story brand, we will lead your team of five to five hundred through the steps of writing and delivering a powerful story. We also take into account your scheduling concerns: If you need us to deliver a short lesson to a small group of professionals, we can lead an hour-long workshop; or if you have a full day for training, we can build a more in-depth experience.
Each workshop is a mix of education and interactive exercises. Our instructors will deliver clear lessons on how to develop and effectively use stories with examples related to your field of interest. We also lead team activities and writing exercises, making sure each participant understands and can incorporate the day’s lessons into his or her role and responsibilities.
Onsite or online storytelling presentations
While our workshops involve team activities and individual writing exercises, our presentations address the practical applications of storytelling. Depending on your needs, interests, and schedule, Better Said Than Done can deliver short, 30-minute presentations on anything from crafting captivating elevator speeches to developing powerful mission statements, or longer, 3-hour presentations on incorporating your organization’s story into every aspect of your public deliverables or other storytelling topics. We are available to come onsite for brown bag lunches or as keynote speakers during your next conference, or we can create and deliver our presentations through webinars using your online presentation software.
Public Workshops
We offer a variety of storytelling workshops online, available for anyone who would like to learn more about storytelling. These workshops also work well at community centers, senior centers, and libraries. Contact [email protected] if you’d like to book a workshop for your community.
Our upcoming public workshops can be found on our Events Calendar.
Braiding Stories Workshop
In this 90 minute workshop, we’ll discuss what braided stories are, different types of braided tales, and when it makes sense to intertwine multiple stories. Then we’ll dig into some techniques on how to craft a braided story.
Participants will spend some time working and weaving their own tales, and a few will be given the chance to share a story.
Mini Class on Personal Storytelling
Bring ideas for a 5-7 minute story to work on in this 90 minute class. Learn about character development, story structure, and where to begin and how to end, and then spend some time writing. A few participants will be able to share their stories with the class.
Spotlight on You – Personal Storytelling
A 3 to 4 hour workshop which includes lessons about storytelling structure, character development and other techniques for creating dramatic, engaging and true, personal stories. Class size is limited so all students will be given the opportunity to write, share at least one story, and receive critical feedback.
Spotlight on You, Too – Personal Storytelling
A 4 hour workshop covering more advanced storytelling lessons. Meant as a follow up to Spotlight on You, (though SoY is not a pre-requisite) this is also ideal for any experienced storyteller looking to delve deeper into a particular story, work on enhanced performance techniques, or play around a little more with form.
Your Story, Your Life – Personal Storytelling
5 two hour classes, over five weeks, to help you develop secondary characters, dialogue, non-linear structure, enhanced performance skills, and stories of varying lengths to be performed on stage. Students will be able to workshop and hone at least one, and possibly several, stories over the course of 5 weeks.
Your Story and More – Storytelling Course
This 5 week storytelling workshop – 5 two hour classes, over five weeks – is for exploring various themes, styles, and techniques in personal storytelling, and beyond. Each class will cover a different storytelling theme, with exercises geared to inspire. Students will be able to workshop and hone at least one, and possibly several, stories over the course of 5 weeks.
Your Business Story: Crafting your company tale
Motivate volunteers for your cause, move prospects to sign on as clients and convince investors yours is the right business by telling your story. After this half-day workshop, which focuses on how to write a compelling story, students will leave with stories to use as content for their website, brochure, and elevator speech. Stories are workshopped with teachers and other students, lending different perspectives on your business tale.
“shone a light on what was effective “
“Jessica was a skilled instructor and facilitator who passionately conveyed the power of storytelling while staying patient with our questions and emerging efforts. When reviewing our stories, she shone a light on what was effective and encouraged us to excavate for special elements that could help our stories come to life. We recommend her to anyone who wants to begin or improve their storytelling to elevate their messaging and communication skills.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Bloom Planning
“launched my storytelling journey”
“The pasta dishes are cooked to perfection and the sauces are full of flavour. Highly recommend!”Jessica and her Better Said Than Done workshops launched my storytelling journey, and now keeps it blossoming.
I started with her “intro” online course, receiving essential critiques that shaped and preserved the best parts of my storytelling style.
Each time Jessica recited a story, I realized I was learning from a master.
Her modeling, advice and gentle critiques give me more courage to keep going live.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— M. Fryburg
“very well received”
“Our SLT team met today and your portion of the retreat was very well received by our group.
I have spoken to a couple of coaches and have only received positive feedback.
Enjoy the rest of your summer and thanks again for your time and expertise!”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Todd
Cancellation Policy
No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after registration. In extenuating circumstances, to be determined solely by Better Said Than Done, Inc., a voucher for attendance at another Better Said Than Done workshop of equal or lesser value may be offered. Additional fees may be required.
Substitutions for persons attending can be made in advance without charge. In the event of circumstances beyond its control, Better Said Than Done reserves the right to amend or cancel any event. Better Said Than Done is not liable for any expense incurred by participants as a result of cancellation.