Storytelling for Researchers

Part of the Atlas Programme

Saturday 8 March 2025   10:00 to 16:00

This interactive and creative workshop will provide you with exercises, approaches and techniques to enable you to better present your research in any context. In this highly interactive half-day workshop with Polly Tisdall, you’ll identify and develop your natural tools for effective communication (voice, body language and gesture) and apply these skills to your research story; then move into a detailed exploration of dramatic story structure and how to work with character, contrast and emotional impact. Whether you have explored storytelling before, are an experienced public speaker or a complete beginner, this workshop is designed as a safe space for testing ideas and exploring how your research can become a compelling and memorable narrative with lasting impact.

Incredible session. I have concrete takeaways for my research. I have a concrete way to structure my talks. This will help me both with my DPhil and also other work. Super useful!!

– 2024 Green Templeton Storytelling for Researchers participant

Polly Tisdall is an award-winning performance storyteller and theatre-maker who has been working with researchers at UK universities for more than a decade.

Places on this workshop are very limited and will be allocated based on your answers to a short application form. The workshop is open to postgraduate students, at any career stage, with a clearly defined research project planned or in process. If you attended last year’s Storytelling Atlas workshop, please note that the first half of this session will cover similar material. However, you’re welcome to attend the second half, which will be new.

Application form (deadline Monday 17 February)

Type: Atlas: APPD