31 Storytelling courses

'Selling' doesn't work. You've got to help customers buy. And that means engaging with the customer in a positive way, showing that you understand their requirement and giving them confidence that your product or service is the best possible way of meeting that requirement. This may sound painless but there's more to it than meets the eye and it's all too easy to get it wrong. You need to follow a process. This programme will help participants: Understand 'how buyers buy' and align their selling activities accordingly Recognise the difference between 'latent pain' and 'active vision' opportunities Conduct effective pre-call planning and research Stimulate interest and establish credibility with your prospects Get prospects to share / admit high priority pain Engage in consultative dialogue that promotes the differentiating strengths of your offerings Gain access to 'power' people within an opportunity Effectively qualify and disqualify opportunities based on objective decision criteria Better control and manage sell cycles Improve their chances of winning competitive opportunities Shorten sales cycles and avoid 'no decision' Negotiate the steps leading to a successful sale 1 An introduction to selling Understanding the key points that encourage a customer to purchase from us The difference between consultative selling and a transactional sale Understanding the roles that trust and empathy play in a sale Understanding how tricks and manipulation can sink a sale Vital pre-meeting research that must take place before a conversation Understanding how the customer sees us and why positioning is important 2 Structuring the sales conversation process Defining a set process for structuring a sales call with a chance to demonstrate understanding How the first minute of a conversation can destroy a sale Understanding BPO objectives for a sale How a step-by-step sales conversation process helps win more sales Understanding the mis-match between the customers buying process How our sales processes can lead to mistakes 3 How and why people buy An insight into the emotional factors behind how people arrive at purchasing decisions Using research from neuroscience that shows how sales people can really make mistakes Understanding how people make decisions about larger purchases Understanding the stakeholders in companies and their buying motives How to analyse the stakeholders and determine a win-plan 4 Understanding the funnel Studying the sales and buying process to understand the ratios of sales to prospects and better forecasting Understanding the role of forecasting in sales analysis Why many forecasts are nearly always wrong Understanding the stages of a sales process How 'verifiable outcomes' can really change forecasting 5 Questioning techniques Understanding the different questioning techniques and when they should be used Using the 'knowledge tree' as a framework for questioning Understanding the use of real empathy to help customers uncover their needs How effective research can really empower your questions How to ask 'high gain' questions How to ask difficult questions without feeling intrusive 6 Features and benefits How to practically apply them in a sales scenario How to align the benefits to customers' business goals Really understanding the difference and how to demonstrate true economic benefits to a customer How to discover business goals, and align value propositions to these How to craft an effective value proposition for a customer Using the SAR storytelling method to really engage customers to align their thinking patterns Using the latest neuroscience research that explains what customers are really thinking 7 Overcoming objections How 'confirmation bias' can hinder any sales conversation How the CLARA method of responding to customer concerns can dramatically improve the chances of customers responding to us in a positive way Practising the method to become comfortable and congruent with it 8 Closing the sale A deep dive into what closing is How different sales have different closes How too many closing methods can destroy a sale How to lead up to a close with a logical sequence of questions Using the ACSAT trust method of closing A clear methodology with a chance to practise the skills in a fun way

Course Duration: 1 day (or 2 half-day sessions) Target Audience: Anyone who delivers presentations in a professional setting – including team members, managers, project leads, or executives – who want to improve confidence, clarity, and impact when speaking. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Prepare and structure engaging presentations for different audiences. Deliver content with confidence, clarity, and professionalism. Use body language, voice, and visual aids effectively. Manage nerves and build a strong connection with the audience. Handle questions and unexpected situations with poise. Course Outline Module 1: Understanding Effective Presentations What makes a presentation effective? Common mistakes and how to avoid them Aligning your message with the audience’s needs Module 2: Planning and Structuring Your Message Setting clear objectives The “power of three” and other storytelling structures Openings and closings that stick Making content memorable and persuasive Module 3: Delivering with Confidence Managing nerves and performance anxiety Using your voice: tone, pace, and projection Body language and posture Eye contact and engagement strategies Module 4: Visual Aids and Presentation Tools Designing slides that support (not distract) Tips for using PowerPoint or Canva effectively Alternatives to slides (e.g. props, whiteboards, storytelling) Module 5: Engaging Your Audience Reading the room and adjusting your delivery Encouraging interaction and participation Handling difficult questions or interruptions Time management and staying on message Module 6: Practice and Feedback Participants deliver a short presentation (2–5 minutes) Peer and facilitator feedback Self-reflection and improvement planning Delivery Style Interactive, supportive environment Role-playing, practical exercises, and real-time coaching Optional video recordings for feedback Course Materials Provided Participant workbook and slide templates Presentation preparation checklist Self-assessment and feedback forms Tips for virtual presentations (Zoom, Teams) Optional Add-ons (for 2-day version) Extended practice time with filming and playback Advanced storytelling and persuasive techniques Coaching for high-stakes presentations (e.g. board meetings, conferences)

Course Duration: 1 day (or 2 half-day sessions) Target Audience: Anyone who delivers presentations in a professional setting – including team members, managers, project leads, or executives – who want to improve confidence, clarity, and impact when speaking. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Prepare and structure engaging presentations for different audiences. Deliver content with confidence, clarity, and professionalism. Use body language, voice, and visual aids effectively. Manage nerves and build a strong connection with the audience. Handle questions and unexpected situations with poise. Course Outline Module 1: Understanding Effective Presentations What makes a presentation effective? Common mistakes and how to avoid them Aligning your message with the audience’s needs Module 2: Planning and Structuring Your Message Setting clear objectives The “power of three” and other storytelling structures Openings and closings that stick Making content memorable and persuasive Module 3: Delivering with Confidence Managing nerves and performance anxiety Using your voice: tone, pace, and projection Body language and posture Eye contact and engagement strategies Module 4: Visual Aids and Presentation Tools Designing slides that support (not distract) Tips for using PowerPoint or Canva effectively Alternatives to slides (e.g. props, whiteboards, storytelling) Module 5: Engaging Your Audience Reading the room and adjusting your delivery Encouraging interaction and participation Handling difficult questions or interruptions Time management and staying on message Module 6: Practice and Feedback Participants deliver a short presentation (2–5 minutes) Peer and facilitator feedback Self-reflection and improvement planning Delivery Style Interactive, supportive environment Role-playing, practical exercises, and real-time coaching Optional video recordings for feedback Course Materials Provided Participant workbook and slide templates Presentation preparation checklist Self-assessment and feedback forms Tips for virtual presentations (Zoom, Teams) Optional Add-ons (for 2-day version) Extended practice time with filming and playback Advanced storytelling and persuasive techniques Coaching for high-stakes presentations (e.g. board meetings, conferences)

Sacred Kakaw Ceremony and Sound Journey You are warmly invited to join us for this autumnal gathering in the Sunhouse, guided by Annabelle and Arjuna. We will begin by sharing a kakaw ritual together before flowing into a long sound medicine journey to deeply relax, release, rejuvenate on a cellular level and experience a vaster state of awareness. Instruments include a Chiron gong, crystal singing bowls, drums, flutes, voice, kora, handpan, chimes, rattles and more. KAKAW RITUAL We will share a ceremonial brew of the plant Kakaw (a Mayan spelling of Cacao), with honour to traditions Toltec and Mayan. Kakaw opens the heart, connecting us to the ancestral wisdom in our blood, to our sensuous creativity and inspiration, and to the unseen realms. She is a grandmother plant for bringing about equilibrium and elemental connection, for supporting emotional expression, illuminating the shadows, and celebrating the bliss of existence. The Kakaw we will be communing with comes from an ecological plantation in the ancient Lacandona jungle of Chiapas, Mexico, where it is lovingly tended by a Mayan family and prepared with the intention for it to be shared ceremonially. SOUND MEDICINE A deep meditative journey, vibrating the material of our being to bring us into a more harmonious flow. Amongst other things, it supports our bodies in relaxation and stress release, circulation, detoxification, and cellular rejuvention. Meditatively, it can guide us into waking dream states whereby we can reconcile subconscious memories, receive clarity and guidance, and journey into the unseen. YOUR HOSTS ANNABELLE CHARANBANI My path is devoted to the healing and creative arts, supporting people to come into greater presence and to engage with life with more passion, ease, curiosity and confidence. For this, we work towards optimising physical health, creative flow, connecting with spirit, and allowing the heart and soul to lead with greater clarity. I primarily serve with kundalini yoga and meditation, sound medicine, intuitive storytelling, ritual and holistic massage, accompanied by various plants. This line of work is ultimately about finding balance. Of solar and lunar, personal and impersonal, infinity and finity consciousness, earth-water-wind-fire-ether. It includes detoxing physically and emotionally, reconciling and releasing tired memories, finding greater flow with creative energy and joy, and stimulating sensuality. We develop our relationship with the soul, and we become more awake to the ways in which wisdom and guidance is being transmitted in each moment. I’m in deep gratitude to my many teachers and guides – human, plant, animal, mineral, angel and other – with whose perspective and company I’ve had the fortune to be gifted. ARJUNA MAGEE I am a multi-instrumentalist with over 20 years of experience in music performance, recording, and teaching drums across the UK and abroad, and was raised in Glastonbury. From an early age I developed a passion for music and rhythm. I was born into a bhakti tradition, and whilst on a family holiday to India at the age of 10 I fell in love with the ecstatic heartfelt folk music, kirtan. This began my journey of music education, receiving lessons on the Mridanga, the Harmonium, the drum kit, the African djembe, Indian, Irish and Japanese flutes, guitar, hand pan, kora and singing. Since the age of 14 I’ve been performing with bands around Europe, playing and exploring many styles including Funk, Jazz, Reggae, Rock, Soul, Folk and World music. As well as making music, a lot of my focus is now directed toward studying music and rhythm therapy and offering this in care homes, hospitals and hospices.

Every Saturday at 10:25 – 11:10 Embark on a delightful journey into the world of ballet and movement with our specially designed classes, where the magic of storytelling meets the grace of dance. Inspired by the esteemed Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Pre-School Curriculum and further personalized by our dedicated teacher, each session is a gateway to a world where imagination knows no bounds. Imagine a place where each leap and twirl brings the tales of Sleeping Beauty, The Lion King, and other beloved stories to life. Through dance, movement, and expressive facial gestures, our young dancers become the heroes and heroines of their favorite narratives, exploring enchanted forests and distant lands without ever leaving the room. Storybooks come alive, and props become the tools through which audial, visual, and kinesthetic learning are enhanced, sparking imagination and creativity in every child. But it’s not just about the dance; it’s a holistic journey towards building confidence, mastering rhythm, nurturing social connections, and developing both motor and performance skills. These classes are a celebration of childhood wonder, providing a fun, relaxed environment where every child is encouraged to express themselves, connect with others, and discover the joy of movement. Join us, and watch your child dance their way through tales of adventure and magic, developing not just as dancers, but as confident, creative individuals ready to take on the world’s stage. Book first lesson here: https://mandlschoolofperformingarts.com/book-first-lesson/

Inner Alchemy Day Retreat will be focussed on opening your heart up to more of which you yearn for… more fun, joy, adventure, excitement, love and anything else your heart desires!

Join us for a special 61st anniversary screening of JFK (1991) by Oliver Stone Step back into one of the most tumultuous moments in American history with a powerful screening of the theatrical version of Oliver Stone’s gripping and controversial thriller that explores the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Through dramatic storytelling and a deep dive into the era’s conspiracy theories, the film raises provocative questions that still stir debate today. Event Highlights Historical context: CFS welcomes Dr Mark de Valk, Course Leader of Practical Filmmaking at Central Film School, who will first deliver a pre-screening overview on Oliver Stone’s 1991 film JFK. Film screening: A special 61st anniversary screening of the theatrical version of JFK (1991) by Oliver Stone. There will also be a demonstration of a Bell & Howell 8mm film camera that captured the event on 22/11/63.

Every Wednesday at 16:15 – 17:30 Step into the captivating realm of the RAD Grade 2 ballet program at M&L School of Performing Arts, where the essential elements of ballet and character dance unfold within a curriculum that treasures the harmony of emotion and technique. This singular grade is a meticulously designed chapter in the ballet journey, offering young dancers the opportunity to revel in the dynamic blend of grace and strength that ballet commands. Nestled within a musical panorama that crosses centuries of dance heritage, our Grade 2 classes beckon students to dive deeper into the artistry of ballet and character dance. This grade serves as a pivotal moment, building upon the joy of movement discovered in earlier levels and encouraging a richer, more nuanced expression of ballet’s technical facets. Here, students are guided to explore their dance potential more fully, expressing themselves with renewed confidence and precision. Grade 2 in the RAD curriculum marks a delightful expansion in the breadth of character dance, presenting students with the chance to explore beyond the foundational steps and into a world rich with cultural diversity and expressive storytelling. The focus on character dance at this level enriches students’ understanding and appreciation of dance’s global tapestry, fostering a versatile approach to ballet that values both tradition and innovation. Why Choose RAD Grade 2 Ballet Lessons for Your Child? Holistic Physical Development: Focused on enhancing flexibility, strength, and coordination, Grade 2 ballet fine-tunes the physical attributes essential for dance. Boost in Self-Expression and Confidence: This grade empowers children to express complex emotions and stories through dance, nurturing a profound sense of self-confidence. Sharpened Discipline and Focus: The precise learning structure of Grade 2 ballet hones discipline, cultivates meticulous attention to detail, and strengthens concentration. Enriched Musical Appreciation: Grade 2 introduces students to an expanded array of musical styles, deepening their rhythmical understanding and appreciation for dance music’s diverse expressions. Joy and Fulfillment in Movement: Emphasizing the pleasure found in each step, leap, and turn, our curriculum encourages students to experience the genuine joy of dance. Social and Teamwork Skills: Ballet classes at this level offer a nurturing environment for developing friendships, learning about teamwork, and enhancing social skills through cooperative performances. Cultural Engagement and Awareness: Exploring character dances introduces students to a broader spectrum of the world’s dance heritage, enriching their cultural perspective and appreciation. Enhanced Coordination and Posture: Ballet at Grade 2 continues to improve overall body coordination and promotes the maintenance of good posture, contributing to a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Development of Important Life Skills: The discipline and perseverance learned through ballet are invaluable, teaching children time management and resilience in the face of challenges. Foundation for Future Learning: Laying a solid foundation for further ballet studies, Grade 2 enriches cognitive abilities and prepares students for the next steps in their dance education. Why M&L School of Performing Arts Is Uniquely Suited for Grade 2 Ballet: Choosing M&L School of Performing Arts for Grade 2 ballet means entering a world where passion for dance and music transforms into a tangible journey of growth and discovery. Inspired by our own experiences and fueled by a deep commitment to dance education, we offer a space where young dancers flourish under the guidance of RAD-certified instructors. Here, your child will not only advance in ballet but will also develop a deep-seated love for the arts, nurtured within a community that values creativity, discipline, and artistic integrity. Enroll your child in the RAD Grade 2 ballet program at M&L School of Performing Arts, and witness their transformation into a more confident, expressive, and technically proficient dancer. Join our family, where every class is a step toward cultivating passionate, skilled artists ready to embrace the vast world of dance. Book first lesson here: https://mandlschoolofperformingarts.com/book-first-lesson/

Course Duration: Half-day or full-day session (with options for virtual delivery or multi-part series) Target Audience: People leaders, team members, HR professionals, and employees at all levels who want to foster a mindset of continuous improvement, learning, and innovation within their team or organisation. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand what a growth mindset is and how it contrasts with a fixed mindset. Recognise the impact of mindset on learning, collaboration, leadership, and performance. Identify individual and team mindset behaviours. Apply strategies to shift thinking and encourage a culture of experimentation, feedback, and perseverance. Create an action plan to promote growth mindset behaviours in their workplace. Course Outline Module 1: Understanding Growth Mindset What is a growth mindset? (Based on Carol Dweck’s research) Growth vs fixed mindset: beliefs, language, and behaviours How mindsets impact learning, feedback, risk-taking, and innovation Common myths and misconceptions about growth mindset Module 2: The Neuroscience of Change and Learning How the brain learns and rewires through effort and repetition The science behind resilience, motivation, and behaviour change Reframing failure as feedback Why psychological safety is critical for learning cultures Module 3: Identifying Mindsets at Work Recognising fixed mindset triggers (e.g., fear of failure, comparison, perfectionism) Team culture audit: are we reinforcing learning or performance-only behaviours? Case studies: organisations that built growth cultures Self-reflection: where do I show fixed vs growth mindset? Module 4: Cultivating Growth Mindset Behaviours Shifting language: praise effort, strategy, and persistence—not just results Giving and receiving feedback to promote learning Normalising experimentation and learning from setbacks Encouraging reflective practice and continuous improvement Module 5: Leadership and Culture Shaping The leader’s role in modelling a growth mindset Embedding growth mindset into performance conversations, goal setting, and team rituals Aligning rewards, recognition, and development frameworks Avoiding the "false growth mindset" trap Module 6: Building a Growth Mindset Action Plan Identify 3 key mindset-shifting strategies for your team or organisation Personal mindset goal: what will you shift in your daily language or habits? Commit to culture practices: team experiments, learning debriefs, celebration of effort Optional: accountability partner and 30-day mindset challenge Delivery Style Interactive workshop format Storytelling, real-world examples, and reflection Pair and group discussions, case scenarios, and mindset mapping Tools and templates to apply immediately in the workplace Course Materials Provided Growth Mindset Field Guide Growth vs Fixed Mindset Behaviour Grid Conversation prompts and feedback scripts Personal Mindset Reflection and Tracker 30-Day Growth Culture Challenge Template Optional Add-ons Pre-course mindset diagnostic or self-assessment Leader/Manager booster session on modelling growth mindset Follow-up team challenge or learning sprint Integration with performance management or onboarding programs

Course Duration: Half-day or full-day session (with options for virtual delivery or multi-part series) Target Audience: People leaders, team members, HR professionals, and employees at all levels who want to foster a mindset of continuous improvement, learning, and innovation within their team or organisation. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand what a growth mindset is and how it contrasts with a fixed mindset. Recognise the impact of mindset on learning, collaboration, leadership, and performance. Identify individual and team mindset behaviours. Apply strategies to shift thinking and encourage a culture of experimentation, feedback, and perseverance. Create an action plan to promote growth mindset behaviours in their workplace. Course Outline Module 1: Understanding Growth Mindset What is a growth mindset? (Based on Carol Dweck’s research) Growth vs fixed mindset: beliefs, language, and behaviours How mindsets impact learning, feedback, risk-taking, and innovation Common myths and misconceptions about growth mindset Module 2: The Neuroscience of Change and Learning How the brain learns and rewires through effort and repetition The science behind resilience, motivation, and behaviour change Reframing failure as feedback Why psychological safety is critical for learning cultures Module 3: Identifying Mindsets at Work Recognising fixed mindset triggers (e.g., fear of failure, comparison, perfectionism) Team culture audit: are we reinforcing learning or performance-only behaviours? Case studies: organisations that built growth cultures Self-reflection: where do I show fixed vs growth mindset? Module 4: Cultivating Growth Mindset Behaviours Shifting language: praise effort, strategy, and persistence—not just results Giving and receiving feedback to promote learning Normalising experimentation and learning from setbacks Encouraging reflective practice and continuous improvement Module 5: Leadership and Culture Shaping The leader’s role in modelling a growth mindset Embedding growth mindset into performance conversations, goal setting, and team rituals Aligning rewards, recognition, and development frameworks Avoiding the "false growth mindset" trap Module 6: Building a Growth Mindset Action Plan Identify 3 key mindset-shifting strategies for your team or organisation Personal mindset goal: what will you shift in your daily language or habits? Commit to culture practices: team experiments, learning debriefs, celebration of effort Optional: accountability partner and 30-day mindset challenge Delivery Style Interactive workshop format Storytelling, real-world examples, and reflection Pair and group discussions, case scenarios, and mindset mapping Tools and templates to apply immediately in the workplace Course Materials Provided Growth Mindset Field Guide Growth vs Fixed Mindset Behaviour Grid Conversation prompts and feedback scripts Personal Mindset Reflection and Tracker 30-Day Growth Culture Challenge Template Optional Add-ons Pre-course mindset diagnostic or self-assessment Leader/Manager booster session on modelling growth mindset Follow-up team challenge or learning sprint Integration with performance management or onboarding programs