Engaging your learners using storytelling tools: a one day practical workshop

[Training context] [Training Aim] [Target Audience] [Training objectives] [What this workshop will do] [Workshop outline] [Event information] [Application conditions]

Training context

Effective storytelling is currently undergoing a huge revival. A well-developed and presented story has the capacity to attract and hold the attention and interest of listeners. Apart from being entertaining, a good story is a vehicle for conveying key messages and information, and allows us to get our point across with impact. A good story will be remembered.

Knowing and applying storytelling principles also has the added bonus of strengthening your own communication skills and self confidence.

Building on the successful series of half day workshops delivered in 2009-2010, a one day workshop is now offered to focus on putting storytelling tools and techniques into practice.

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Training aim

To help you develop your skills to be a more effective and engaging communicator using storytelling techniques.

The day explores a range of storytelling concepts, tried and tested strategies, hints and tips, and provides an opportunity to put ideas into practice and adapt them to your own individual style.

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Target audience

Teachers and tutors working in any context in adult learning.

Participants who attended our previous storytelling workshops told us:

The training was fantastic.  Excellent training session - inspiring, exciting and thought-provoking.  I will use all the techniques in passing them on to staff and using storytelling techniques to engage learners. Samantha Edwards, HR Training & Development Officer, Juniper Training Ltd

I told stories! ...It was what I was looking for. Angela Green, Tutor/Dyslexia specialist, Wolverhampton County Council

Well-structured and delivered session, presented by knowledgeable, experienced and enthusiastic tutor.

Supported activities, group and pair work, plenty of interactive work. Andy Chapman, Early Years Family Literacy Officer, Buckinghamshire County Council

Will use storytelling in my lessons to convey a concept or skill. Sue Sutton, Oaklands College

It has encouraged me to continue with developing our outreach programme in new directions. Vicky Thorpe, Customer Services Manager, Gloucestershire Archives

I have come away with confidence and communication skills which I will be able to use at work. Tutor, Independent specialist college for learning difficulties and disabilities

Stimulating session offering lots of ideas for activities with all my students with strategies for encouraging reluctant learners Mary Bradshaw, Lecturer, Basingstoke College of Technology

Very useful tips on how to keep people listening Lisa Clarke, SFL Lecturer, Linkage Community Trust

Inspiring, motivating and different Sarah Upton, Senior Development Officer / Tutor- RMBC Skills for Life, RMBC

It has given the basis of ideas which I can adapt to suit my students  Hillary Gibson, Course Tutor ESOL, Leeds City College - Thomas Danby Campus

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Training objectives

This workshop aims to:

• introduce the basic skills and techniques of how to become a storyteller;
• develop skills in identifying the right stories;
• give practical advice on how to tell stories;
• give opportunity to develop practical skills in delivering a story;
• improve understanding of the applications of personal delivery;
• improve understanding of the process of engagement that develops between the storyteller and the listener;
• give practical advice on how to get, and hold, the attention of an audience;
• identify the "finer points" of storytelling;
• show how to find and use your voice;
• demonstrate how to use "storytelling tools" such as facial gestures and hand movements;
• improve understanding of how to use a story as an effective means of communication; and,
• give practical advice and knowledge on how to build your skills beyond the workshop.

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What this workshop will do

By the end of the workshop participants should have:

• acquired a set of basic storytelling skills and techniques which will enable them to be a more effective communicator;
• a better appreciation of the potential of storytelling and how to use techniques to inspire and motivate learners;
• increased their knowledge of the range of storytelling techniques and how to improve their own storytelling skills;
• improved confidence to be able to tell a short story to a live audience; and,
• gained an understanding of the wider applications of storytelling and how to use their newly acquired skills in other situations and contexts.

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Workshop outline

9:45 am Arrival and registration (tea/coffee available)

10:15 am Introductions

Session 1 Why is storytelling so powerful

Session 2 Becoming a storyteller
Overcoming initial barriers

Session 3 How stories fit in with work and life
The significance and impact of stories

Practical examples demonstrated by workshop storyteller

Session 4 Identify the "right" stories to tell
What are the sources of stories

Activity on selecting the "right" story to work for you

12:30 pm Lunch (45 minutes)

1:15pm
Session 5 Test out your story (The New Storytellers!)
Activity

Session 6 Review approaches and techniques

Building a checklist of what works

Session 7 Success stories
Activity to practise a pre-prepared story

Building confidence: Practice makes perfect

Session 8 Finding and using community resources

What next to keep the momentum going to build your new skills

Questions and Evaluation

4:15pm Workshop Close

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Event Information

Arrival and registration is at 9:45am for a 10:15am start. The event will end at 4:15pm
Event fee per person: £155 (Non NIACE members rate)
Event fee per person: £135 (NIACE members rate)
(includes sandwich lunch, tea/coffee)
NB: NIACE does not charge VAT on conference or course fees.

Only online application forms with the payments section completed will be processed.
NB: If you wish us to invoice your employer we require a copy of the Purchase Order before the form is processed.
Places will be allocated in order of receipt of completed applications (one online application per person)
Participants should be prepared to take their own notes as there may not be handouts for all sessions
If you have not received an e-mail confirming your attendance and joining instructions 4 working days before the event please contact: events@niace.org.uk

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Application Conditions

Birmingham Event: Thursday 23 February 2012

Closing Date: Thursday 9 February 2012

Cardiff Event: Tuesday 12 June 2012

Closing Date: Thursday 24 May 2012

Cancellations are non-refundable
The full fee is payable prior to the event
Substitutions are to be advised 5 working days prior to the event
A 15 working days notice period is required for provision of electronic note-takers, sign language interpreters and transcription to Braille
Places are to be reserved online - scroll up and click on Apply Now
Reservations by telephone cannot be accepted
Applications forms are individually acknowledged by e-mail. Joining instructions, including map and directions, will be e-mailed out one week before the event.
NIACE reserves the right to reject applicants who are not from the target audience list.