Our brains aren’t wired to memorize numbers and data; they’re designed to remember stories. Stories serve as life simulators, engaging our minds and emotions in a way that facts and figures alone cannot. They are a powerful tool for engaging audiences, securing research funding, and delivering impactful messages. Those who master the art of storytelling are better equipped to captivate listeners, convey complex ideas effectively, and leave a lasting impression.
In this interactive workshop, we will delve into the art and science of storytelling and provide valuable tools and strategies to help you tell your research story with clarity, authenticity and impact to various audiences. Researchers, staff and students will also learn how to weave narratives that captivate funder’s attention and showcase the significance of your work.
Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free
Preparation: This interactive workshop requires active participation. Participants will be asked to complete a pre-workshop assignment, which includes preparing a 60-second elevator pitch and a 5-minute presentation that tells the story of their research project. Assignment details will be sent to registrants closer to the event date.
Learning Objectives
- Learn how to leverage storytelling to create meaningful connections with your audience, fostering empathy, understanding, and action.
- Clarify your message and objectives to create a cohesive narrative that effectively communicates your research purpose and impact.
- Discover practical strategies for incorporating storytelling elements into grant applications
- Explore strategies for articulating the significance of your research and compelling others to invest their attention, resources, and support.
Speakers
Michelle Sklar | Head of Venture Growth & Entrepreneur in Residence, entrepreneurship@UBC
Michelle is a performance driven growth marketer, communications strategist, community builder and entrepreneur with over two decades of comprehensive achievements in both B2B and B2C industries. She has a proven track record as an executive leader in digital marketing, PR, strategic partnerships, community management and company building. She has focused her professional career development on scaling ideas to impact in the Emerging Technology, Digital Media, Events, Retail and Nonprofit industries.
Her broad cross-functional expertise is in brand strategy, content creation, building marketing teams, stakeholder engagement, project management and impact reporting. She also leads equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, change management, the development of comprehensive leadership tracks, and mentorship – all to help empower the organizations she works with to flourish. She thrives in Startups and fast paced environments, where culture and vision match the desire to be transformative.
Michelle has an insatiable appetite for travel and culinary adventures which keeps her road-tripping across North America, taking cooking classes in Morocco and exploring beaches from Barcelona to Cuba.
Event Organizers
This event is organized by “Partnering in Research” (PiR), a collaborative venture between the Knowledge Exchange Unit of UBC’s Vice President Research and Innovation, and the Office of Community Engagement under the Vice President External Relations.