Overview
Client and stakeholder engagement whether strategic, organisational or sales related, typically generates data, detailed findings, options for change and focussed conclusions. At Openside, we believe the best consulting and sales professionals are those with the ability to communicate and present complex concepts simply and with maximum impact. Trusted advisor status is achieved by presenting solutions and recommendations in the client’s context using a concise narrative.
Storytelling, as opposed to presenting, establishes a dialogue with the audience. It enables the personal and emotional connections that lead to successful sales, better business outcomes, and foster longer-term relationships. So how can professionals show they understand, and empathise with, the client’s context and culture and effortlessly communicate the key messages that clients and stakeholders expect?
Openside’s ‘Presentation and Storytelling Skills’ programme, provides participants with a framework for effective storytelling. Participants will be able to have much more impactful conversations based on the client’s context and what is most important to the audience both collectively and individually. They will learn how to sort their ideas making them more relatable and easier for the audience to understand, remember and embrace. Storytelling offers a powerful tool in differentiating their solution and gaining acceptance of proposals. Our aim is to give presenters the confidence to engage the audience, monitor body language and engage at a personal level. Using presentation material only for emphasis and as an aide memoire, as necessary. Enabling them to communicate compellingly and with authenticity in achieving successful outcomes, whether face to face or engaging virtually.
The programme is aimed at those in professional services roles. Advisors, Strategists and Policymakers, Business Transformation Consultants, Account Managers and Client Support, Solution Architects,
Supply Chain specialists, Business Development and Sales, Technical experts and R&D can all benefit from training in communication and storytelling skills.
Clients choose this programme to enhance their teams’ abilities and skills in delivering presentations. This supports them in translating complex analyses into clear and compelling stories that engage clients, influence decisions, and strengthen trusted advisor relationships.
“Useful and applicable learning with real tools that can be used in the workplace.”
Professional Services
Decision Analyst
Category Buyer, Procurement, Support Functions, Account Teams, Sales Professionals, R&D, Technical Experts, Product Development, Design Thinkers, Technical Support, Bid Directors, Product Specialists, Pre-sales Consultants, Sales, Business Development, Supply Chain Specialists, Solution Architects, Client Support, Account Managers, Business Transformation Teams, Internal Consulting Teams, Policy-makers, Strategists, Advisors, New Entrant, Analyst, Consultant, Manager, Senior Manager, Principal, VP, Director, Partner.
- Face-to-face
- Virtual
- Webinar
Learning impact
During the programme, participants learn to:
- Structure presentations that influence decisions, creating a clear flow from insight to recommendation and action.
- Use narrative-based storytelling to strengthen client engagement, building understanding, trust, and acceptance of proposals and recommendations.
- Communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact, translating detailed analysis into concise, compelling messages.
- Use visual aids effectively, ensuring they support the narrative and enhance the impact of the message.
If you would like to find out more about our Presentation and Storytelling Skills programme and how it could work for your organisation.
Programme Stats
100%
Recommended for colleagues in Consumer Goods and Financial Services
63%
of attendees were in Middle Management
Vienna performance+
Highest skill improvement in Consumer Goods for Storytelling 119%
Hear from a Programme Leader
“Many participants attend this programme because of feedback they had from colleagues. Their presentations had too much detail, didn’t flow and weren’t very engaging. Subject matter was often highly technical and not communicated in a way that delivered a clear message and engaged their audience. By the end of the session confidence is high as they deliver their reworked presentations with a more engaging narrative to colleagues.” – Emily Palmer, Programme Leader
Case Studies
Presentation Skills and Storytelling – Consumer Goods
Procurement professionals needed to better communicate their messages internally to stakeholders, by providing concise, clearly structured messaging and storytelling to engage buy-in.
Behaviours addressed:
Key presentation skills and behaviours required to engage an audience, create impact and generate personal presence and give increased confidence when interacting with senior stakeholders within the organisation. Manage conflict, deal with scepticism, handle difficult audiences and cope with different personality types.
Trust-building behaviours, rapport, respect and interest.
- Communicating messages more effectively to secure buy-in
- Delivering compelling insights from a data-driven narrative
- Establishing credibility, status and personal presence in stressful situations
“An excellent introduction into the world of B2B storytelling, with a highly interactive and practical approach.”
Global Executive Search Firm
Knowledge Manager
Plot your own pathway with our Talent Development Pathway Tool
Recommended complementary programmes
