ORIENTATION

In a pre-call, we will go over the syllabus, the private Facebook Group, and resources available to you. Each class will be held over Zoom and will be recorded. Do not worry if you cannot make all the classes.

LESSONS

Module 1: Mindset

You have invested in yourself and the Story Maker Academy. It is a big commitment. Because you have a powerful story to tell—and you are the one to tell it—doubt, second-guessing, and fear can often lead to self-sabotage. We will address what is really standing in your way and how developing an alter ego or persona can expand your comfort zone.

Module 2: Discover Your Story

You may have 100 stories you want to tell. You may have no idea of what to talk about. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to unlock all of the stories you never knew existed. This lesson will look at your ideas, mission and calling. We will mine for possible stories without judgment.

Module 3: Create a Story Inventory

Not every story you could tell will end up in the story you are working on in the Story Maker Academy, but it doesn’t mean you should throw it away. You will create an inventory of your stories, rate them and decide on your top story. You will put the others aside for safe keeping.

Module 4: “Ask Anything” Group Coaching Session

This is the time to share what the process has been like for you so far. What keeps coming up? What is your story and how do you feel about sharing it? We will discuss your audience – regardless of if you are delivering your story on a stage, or sharing your mission and vision with a client, or being a guest on a podcast show. What do you want your audience to feel and do? This is a safe space. Bring your questions about your story idea.

Module 5: Write Your Story

We start the writing process with your specific story. What is the main point? What is memorable? What is the beginning, middle and end? What is the intention behind your story? You will write your first draft. Your second draft. Your third draft. More drafts if necessary. With guidance and support, you will write your final script.

Module 6: Write Your Main Talk – Part 1

Now that you have discovered and developed your story, it is time to write your talk that will include your story. You will use the same process to develop your main talk that you used for your specific story. We will work through not only what you want to include in your main talk but how you are going to open and close your talk so people will be engaged and inspired.

Module 7: Write Your Main Talk – Part 2

You will develop and a write a 9-10 minute talk that can be expanded into a full keynote, highlighted during a presentation, bullet pointed during your podcast interview, or used to introduce yourself at a networking event.

Module 7: “Ask Anything” Group Coaching Session

During this laser-focused session, you can share any aspect of your talk that you would like to rehearse before the community. At this point, it’s not about rewriting or reworking your talk. It’s about getting feedback and support on how your talk makes an audience feel. What do you want the audience to do? It is also a time to get more practice and rehearsal sharing your story. It is a confidence builder.

Module 8: The P.R.E.P.® Method

You have your script, now it is time to practice using my P.R.E.P.® Method. The objective is to get you familiar and comfortable with your story and talk. The goal is to get you off script and into the heart of giving a talk. I know this sounds scary, but this is your talk. This is your story, and you are prepared to tell it.

Module 9: Taking It to the Stage

In the Story Maker Academy, we support you in being who you really are. Your unique experiences have already qualified you to speak on this topic or share this story. In this module, you will learn how to command a virtual or in-person stage. How to be the teller of your own story. We go beyond what to do with your hands or where to stand. It is not about molding you into a carbon copy of someone else. It is about liberation and the freedom to be engaging and bold.

The Story Maker Academy Showcase

The Story Maker Academy wraps up with a virtual showcase. You will get the opportunity to take to the virtual stage and present your talk before a supportive community.

As part of completing the Academy, you will receive The Story Maker Checklist to help you know what to do before, during, and after a speaking engagement, as well as a Speaking Appearance Agreement template that you can use for your talks, media and podcast interviews, and appearing on panels.