Applied Storytelling for Scientists and Researchers
Creating stories for non-expert audiences that connect, inform, and encourage engagement or informed action
Scientists and researchers understand story structures because they already use them in their academic writing. The challenges? Recognising that they are already using story structures. Working out how to tailor stories so that they resonate with non-expert audiences. Creating emotional connection. Adapting one story effectively for audiences as diverse as policymakers, funders, public audiences, media, and family and friends around the dining room table.
Our applied storytelling training focuses on USING narrative frameworks to create stories that resonate emotionally and adapt across audiences.
Through scenario-based practice, participants work with their own research to develop multiple story versions ready for immediate use.
This is hands-on story creation, not storytelling theory.
Want to build storytelling foundations first? Although not essential, we recommend our Storytelling and Narrative Foundations skills session, which introduces useful story structures and basic narrative development.
In this Applied Storytelling training, we assume familiarity with frameworks (either through attending a skills session or by completing independent pre-work) and focus on adaptation, emotional connection, and multi-audience storytelling.
Storytelling & narrative training: 1-day applied storytelling workshop (in person or online) for scientists and researchers
→ Most popular format for public engagement and sharing research with diverse audiences
What’s covered:
A hands-on day of putting stories to work in science and research communication. Participants can expect:
- Applied scenario practice: adapting individual research stories for funders, policymakers, public audiences, and media (e.g. articles, interviews, or expert commentary) using real-world scenarios
- Finding the emotional core: identifying stakes, wonder, impact, and human journey in their research (this is NOT theatre-style, performative emotion.)
- Story framing strategies: choosing narrative approaches for different purposes (inform, inspire, persuade, engage)
- Multiple story types: funder narratives, policy influence stories, origin and ‘misconception’ stories, myth-busting communications *
- Format adaptation: written vs. spoken story techniques
- Peer learning: group reflection on what makes stories work for different audiences
* Story types explored can be adapted to your group based on our discovery call.
Methodology:
Highly interactive with scenario-based practice throughout. Theory is taught in context as participants work with their own research.
Recommended preparation:
Participants complete light pre-work to prepare a research story using a narrative framework and bring this to the session. They will do this either through readings and written guidance (provided), or, if they complete our Storytelling Foundations skills session beforehand, they will have a story ready to go.
Participants leave with:
Multiple versions of their research story ready to use with funders, policymakers, public audiences, and media – plus frameworks for creating more independently.
Delivery:
One full day (6-7 hours) or two 3.5-hour sessions (online)
Ideal for:
EU project teams with dissemination requirements, research groups building public engagement capacity, graduate schools developing outreach skills, or anyone needing to adapt research stories for non-expert audiences.
Tailor this training to your needs
Every group has different storytelling needs and dissemination challenges. We can adapt this training to fit your context:
Multi-day intensive?
We offer extended programmes for EU projects, science communication teams, and dissemination leaders, covering strategic planning, audience analysis, applied storytelling, story consistency, and channel optimization.
Deep dive into channels?
Our 2-day format explores applied storytelling across multiple channels in depth: written communication (blogs, articles), social media (visual and text), and oral formats (podcasts, audio).
Focused on one audience?
We offer half-day sessions applying storytelling to a single audience type (policymakers OR public OR funders): ideal when time is limited or focus is narrow.
Focused on one channel?
We offer half-day sessions applying storytelling to a single channel type (blogging or informal writing OR social media OR public talks OR media conversations): ideal when time is limited or focus is narrow.
Just need foundations?
Our 2-hour Storytelling Foundations skills session introduces narrative structures and basic story development.
Delivery options
In-person (recommended):
Across Europe (if we can get there by public transport, we’re happy to travel!)
Online:
Via Zoom, or your preferred platform. We run these workshops for institutions worldwide
Included in all formats:
- Pre-training discovery call and/or survey to understand your group’s needs and context
- Tailored scenarios relevant to your research context and communication goals
- Hands-on practice with peer and facilitator feedback
- Post-session resources and frameworks
- Support for organisers in planning and participant communication
Perfect for:
- EU project teams with dissemination and communication requirements
- Research groups building public engagement and outreach capacity
- Graduate schools developing communication skills in early-career researchers and PhD students
- Lecturers wanting to make teaching more engaging through storytelling
- Science communicators adapting research for multiple audiences
- Anyone needing to communicate research compellingly to non-expert audiences
Explore all training topics
Not sure which format or topic you need? Browse our complete catalogue of communication training, organised by category.
Looking for something different?
We’re always happy to tailor programmes to your context, or create custom-designed learning experiences to address specific needs.
Ready to help researchers and scientists tell the right stories for their audiences?
If you want to help your researchers adapt their work for non-expert audiences, meet EU dissemination requirements, or build public engagement capacity through storytelling, we’d love to help.
Tell us a bit about what you need (purpose, number of participants, when, where, and anything else that might be useful), and we’ll respond with ideas and costs.
Alternatively, book a call, and we can talk through your ideas together.
