Storytelling with Substance

Workshops for research, policy and social impact

The strongest evidence does not always speak for itself. For nearly 20 years, I have worked at the intersection of research, policy and decision-making, translating complex evidence and ideas for audiences ranging from government ministers and UN leaders to donors, practitioners and the public.

My workshops draw on that experience to help people identify what matters in complex information and communicate it in ways others can understand, remember and act on.

Using practical storytelling frameworks, including the And, But, Therefore (ABT) framework, participants learn how to move beyond simply presenting information to build clear narratives, bring evidence to life through human stories, and communicate ideas with purpose.

Workshops are practical, participatory and tailored to the real research, policy or communication challenges participants are working through.

My Workshop Approach

  • Finding the story in complexity

    How to identify the central tension, insight or idea within research, evidence and information.

  • Building a clear narrative

    How to use ABT and other narrative principles to create structure, focus and momentum.

  • Connecting evidence with human experience

    How individual stories can illuminate broader research and issues without oversimplifying them.

  • Driving action

    How to adapt a story or narrative to the audience, decision and change you are trying to influence.

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From participants

“Kate’s workshop helped me understand how to build characters and use story as a common language to communicate persuasively. I applied what I learned to a letter that received my highest grade and prompted the recipient to respond and request a meeting.”

UVA workshop participant

“What I enjoyed most were the hands-on exercises, which allowed us to immediately apply the storytelling strategies in practice. The interactive discussions and real-life examples made the concepts more relatable and inspiring.”

Participant, OCHA Country-Based Pooled Funds workshop, Lebanon

“The information was clear, and the examples carried real emotion that made the content easier and faster to understand.”

Participant, OCHA Country-Based Pooled Funds workshop, Lebanon

Bring storytelling into your work.

Every organization works with different evidence, audiences and communication challenges. I tailor workshops to the context and needs of each team, drawing on participants’ own research, policy questions and real-world examples wherever possible.

Workshops can be designed for teams, organizations, conferences or learning programs, from introductory sessions to more in-depth practical workshops.