The Art and Science of Storytelling

Why stories move people and how to tell them well

A good story can make or break your speech, talk or presentation.

You can have valuable expertise and an important message but if the story doesn’t land, people might switch off, forget or simply don’t feel connected to what you’re saying.

Long before books, podcasts or PowerPoint presentations, our ancestors were telling stories through cave paintings: making sense of the world around them and passing on stories, warnings and wonder from one generation to the next. Tens of thousands of years later, stories are still one of the most powerful ways we communicate, connect and inspire action.

But why do stories work so well? What actually happens in our brains when we hear a powerful story and how can you use that to make your own communication more memorable?

This interactive session explores the science and structure behind storytelling, giving you practical tools to craft stories that capture attention, create emotion and leave a lasting impression.

You’ll Walk Away With:

An understanding of the science of storytelling, what happens in the brain and why stories influence how we think, feel and respond

Simple structures to shape your stories for more clarity, emotion and impact

Practical techniques to make your stories more engaging, relatable and memorable

The confidence to use storytelling in speeches, presentations, conversations and content

The goal isn't a perfectly polished story. It's a story that creates genuine human connection. It’s about understanding what makes humans connect and learning how to use storytelling as one of the most powerful tools for sharing your ideas, experiences and message.

A Note Before You Join

This is an interactive session, so please join from a quiet place with your camera on (where possible).

Speaking is a skill, not just knowledge. Like any skill, it develops through practice and experimentation, which is why we’ll explore the concepts first, then bring them into small-group practice.

To create a space where you can experiment, this session will not be recorded. Everything shared - brilliant, messy or somewhere in between - will quietly disappear into the digital ether, never to be seen or heard again. ✨🎤

About Your Facilitator

Annik Rau

Experiential Learning & Public Speaking Facilitator, Lover of Unicorns, Sarcasm & Genmaicha

Since 2011, Annik has helped professionals and entrepreneurs build confidence and presence. She’s collaborated with organisations including the BBC, Bank of New York, TEDx and led a speaking accelerator in London for entrepreneurs. Her approach blends practical tools with somatic practices, improv and experiential learning, a combination that actually works.

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Behind the scenes support by Julie Trell - Chief Play Officer, Facilitator & Speaker.

Images: Rachel Vogeleisen Photography and Emma Marshall Photography

Join the Expressive Wings WhatsApp group for ongoing support, future workshops and a connected space for speakers building confidence, visibility and voice. 🎤🪽

Contact the host of The Art and Science of Storytelling (Free Online Edition)