Storytelling and Narrative Foundations for Scientists & Researchers
A foundational skills session to help researchers understand and apply storytelling principles to science communication
A focused online session that introduces why storytelling matters in science and research, and how narrative structures work. This 2-hour interactive training gives researchers practical experience with simple storytelling frameworks they can apply to presentations, papers, outreach, and teaching.
Scientists, researchers, students, and staff will learn foundational storytelling principles they can apply across communication contexts, from conference talks to public engagement to grant writing.
Approach: Interactive skill-building with storytelling theory (why it works), simple narrative structures, hands-on story crafting, peer sharing, and discussion of emotional narrative arcs
Practical component: Participants apply one storytelling structure to their own research to craft a short overview, then share with peers for feedback.
Delivery: 2 hours online (Zoom or your preferred platform)
Group size: up 100 participants
What we cover in 2 hours:
- What storytelling is and why it matters in science: how narrative structures help audiences understand, remember, and care about research
- The science behind storytelling: a brief grounding in why our brains respond to narrative, and how stories build trust and inspire action
- Simple narrative structures that work: practical frameworks your researchers can apply immediately to their own research communication
- Finding stories within research: identifying narrative elements in data, methods, and findings
- How narrative arcs create emotional connection: understanding how longer stories build engagement through tension and resolution
- Adapting stories for different contexts: presentations, papers, public talks, teaching, and outreach
Practical work: Participants apply one storytelling structure to their own research, crafting a short overview they can share with peers and refine through feedback.
Interaction in this Skills Session is designed around guided individual exercises, chat-based reflection, and selected plenary discussion, rather than small-group coaching or personalised feedback.
Tools: These storytelling foundations can later be used in many different formats, include verbal presentations, written communications, visual formats, and teaching.
What this session does NOT cover:
This session provides foundations in storytelling principles, not comprehensive story development or format-specific application. We don’t include:
- Extended time for developing polished stories across multiple formats
- Data storytelling and visualisation techniques
- Format-specific story applications (grant writing, public talks, teaching)
- Multi-channel storytelling strategies
Need comprehensive storytelling training? Our Applied Storytelling for Science and Research training is a 1-2 day workshop where your researchers develop complete stories with extensive practice and feedback across multiple formats.
Perfect for
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PhD programmes building foundational communication skills across cohorts
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Research groups where scientists need to communicate with diverse audiences
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Graduate schools introducing narrative thinking for presentations, papers, and outreach
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EU project teams meeting research dissemination requirements with compelling narratives
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Institutions supporting researchers in public engagement and dissemination activities
This session works well as foundational training that researchers can apply immediately, or as an introduction before more specialised storytelling applications like podcasts, video, and more.
Looking for related skills sessions or longer-format training?
If you want researchers to use storytelling skills in different research contexts, you might be interested in our short skills sessions in:
- Scientific Presentation Messaging & Structure
- Flash Talks for Researchers
- Elevator Pitches for Scientists & Researchers
You may also find our comprehensive training (1 to 2 days) options useful, specifically Applied Storytelling for Science and Research, Presentation Skills Training, and Visual Communication & Applied Design Principles.
Explore all training topics
Not sure which format or topic you need? Browse our complete catalogue of communication training, organised by category.
Ready to introduce storytelling foundations to your scientists and researchers?
We’d love to help you design the right training approach for your researchers or group.
This 2-hour session can be delivered as:
- A standalone workshop for your researchers, scientists, or staff
- Part of a doctoral training programme
- A mini-workshop or interactive session for a conference
- A component of a custom skills-building series
Curious? Get in touch.
