The Power of Story for Educators and Leaders

In this two-part Professional Development workshop, Jenni Cargill-Strong will guide you through the why and the how of basic oral story telling as a way to inform, educate or persuade, and then give you an opportunity to hone your oratory skills. The power of storytelling has been recognised in the business realm for decades, but with some guidance educators, community leaders and public speakers can tap into this powerful type of communication.

Past participants have consistently requested that this workshop be longer. Jenni has listened, and is now offering a two-part format:

• 9am to 12pm - Foundations of Story Telling

• 1pm to 4pm - Story Telling Practice

You can choose to do the morning session only or go deeper, by committing to the whole day. Past participants can opt to do the afternoon only.

In the morning session you will:

• learn how the brain is hard-wired to receive and remember information encoded in a story.

• learn how to use storytelling in your context, whether you are educating, inspiring, community-building or campaigning

• learn how to contextualise or frame stories or illustrate a principle

• connect with other participants in a safe community of learning via story in pairs, small groups and large group discussions

No storytelling or drama experience is necessary.


The afternoon session will extend on the foundations laid in the morning and participants will be guided to weave and tell their own stories. Jenni will create a safe space amongst our group of peers where everyone will be encouraged to practice.

Learn more about the workshop in this video.

Testimonial

'Wow, I loved Jenni's Storytelling Workshop. I found it so easy to learn and engage in the content, thanks to her creative methods and delightful modelling of enchanting storytelling. Jenni took us on a journey and helped us discover different types of stories, gain confidence with telling stories and delve into the power of story for Positive change. I especially loved that underlying ethic, of weaving stories to inspire change and growth". - Robin Clayfield

"I loved learning how much better a story can be when you bring in specific details, and why that matters. I felt grateful to have shared this workshop with people who are so like-minded". - Karen Lavin

"I was impressed with how deep we went from the start. We really got to the heart of things. Everything we explored gives me hope". - Leanne

"I learned the technical skill of pinpointing the important details of a story, and the workshop reaffirmed my understanding of the power of stories. It also motivated me to studying and share Celtic myths". - Tony

About the Facilitator
Jenni is a trained storyteller and educator who has taught storytelling for the last twenty years, privately to school children, adults, educators and environmentalists, as well as for Southern Cross University. She has told stories at rallies and actions, as well as schools, libraries, festivals and conferences over the last thirty years. She has five award-winning albums and performed at GOMA for the Fairy Tales exhibit. Jenni gave a Masterclass on Storytelling on Morag Gamble's podcast.  And as a part of our Education team, she facilitates Bush Kindy, delivers tours to school children and assists with Earth Kids. Jenni is the 'Sustainability Lead' at Oakleigh State School and works at Wildling's Forest School. Her three solo shows for adults 'ReWilding Red Riding Hood: Ancestral Tales for Daring, Difficult Women' For The Brisbane Anywhere Festival 2026 in May, sold out and received rapt praise from audience members. www.storytree.com.au