Executive Education

Building Your Business Case through Storytelling

Engage and inspire others to approve your ideas

There’s something about a story that connects and engages people in ways that other forms of communication cannot. And yet, this dynamic communication tool is often underused in business. The result? Listeners tune out, good ideas remain on the desk, and opportunities get missed.

This program explores storytelling as a key strategy for building a business case. Discover the special powers of storytelling to enlighten, engage and influence busy decision makers to say “yes” to your ideas. Get hands-on practice in planning, organizing and delivering a compelling narrative that draws your audience in and inspires them to approve your request.

Stay tuned for future offerings of this program! Please contact us to notify you when it will be offered again. You may also subscribe to our email list for Executive Education program updates and exclusive event invitations.

Who is this for?

Anyone in the public or private sector who presents business cases, proposals and other recommendations to their managers or stakeholders for approval.

Benefits for you

Broaden your communication toolkit for building persuasive arguments
Learn storytelling best practices for business purposes
Choose from a variety of story structures to organize and deliver your case
Simplify complex data into a captivating narrative
Increase your impact by connecting your audience to your topic on a more personal level
Up your chances of getting your ask approved

Program content

Business Case Essentials

Basic components of a business case
Storytelling in a business context

Storytelling Formats

Different types of stories and the structure of each
Advantages and disadvantages of each type

What Makes a Good Story for a Business Case

Assessing an effective story to use for a business case
Applying the 6 P’s (purpose, people, place, plot, perspective and promise) to create the most inspiring story

Wordsmithing Your Story to Maximize Audience Impact

Words with high appeal, words to avoid
Openings and closings
Adding verbal, visual and kinesthetic impact

Delivering Your Story to Enhance Your Case

Identifying what requires storytelling representation
Placement and timing
Rehearsing your story to make it more professional

Evaluating Your Story

Appraising your storytelling effectiveness
Collecting and learning from audience feedback

Special features

You will get hands-on practice in planning, organizing and presenting a story, and receive constructive feedback from your facilitator and peers. You will also get checklists and templates for creating an action plan you can apply immediately back at work.

Download full program description

Program leader

Dr. Gail Levitt

Gail is the President of Levitt Communications Inc. She is a dynamic coach and facilitator specializing in leadership communications, influence and productivity. Her diverse clients over her 25+ years of experience include TD Bank, Home Depot, Telus, Loblaw, Transport Canada, WorkSafe BC and Toyota. Her most recent book is The Truth About Collaboration: Why People Fail and How to Succeed.