Why your story is more important than ever before
“The best expert wins.” It would be nice.
You know the drill: three absolute experts pitch their projects. They all have watertight data. All show impressive analyses. All of them are right. But only one person gets the budget.
Unfair? At first glance, yes. But hand on heart: brilliant expertise without impact is like a high-performance engine without a gearbox – technically perfect, but the power doesn’t get on the road.
When science meets storytelling
“So, what’s your story?”
I can’t wait to hear this question from Dr. Anne Schreiter, Executive Director of the German Scholars Organization (GSO), in her opening keynote at the Storytelling Symposium 2024 on November 12. Because I know that she will turn this simple question into a spark. As an expert in science communication, she meets brilliant minds every day who despair over this very question.
From research to captivating presentation
What totally blows me away? Anne brings something that is sorely lacking in the research community: this incredible combination of analytical acuity and the ability to break down encrusted thought patterns. When she says “research is not an individual challenge, it is woven into the fabric of our society” – that is not just a cliché. It is a wake-up call.
Your own story instead of Silicon Valley templates
In my session “Stop thinking you are Uber” on the first day, we take on all the template stories that try to convince us that every innovative project has to sound like a Silicon Valley startup. Spoiler: Your own story is more powerful than any Uber imitation.
Theater meets science: The art of presentation
On Day 3, Mel Churcher brings a whole new perspective. As a theater and film coach who has worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company as well as on over 100 film productions, she will show how scientific presentations can benefit from the art of storytelling.
What convinces me about her approach is that she understands that it’s not about performance. It’s about that special moment when we share our discoveries with others. When research results become tangible experiences. Her core question “How can you tell of your own journey, passions, revelations – and bring them to life?” hits the nail on the head where many experts have doubts.
Immediately afterwards, Simone Dietrich will expand on these ideas in a practical session. As an experienced voice coach, she knows exactly how we can transfer the principles of lively storytelling into everyday scientific life. Anyone who knows Simone knows that she doesn’t give theoretical exercises, but tangible tools that work straight away.
The future of scientific storytelling
And then day 4 will feature a combination that particularly electrifies me: in her keynote “The Modern Muse”, Simone Jo Moore will ask precisely the questions that are on many of our minds: How is storytelling changing in a world where technology and creativity are merging? As a Top 25 Industry Thought Leader, she knows what she is talking about. Her work for the European Commission and her experience with ethical AI make her the perfect trailblazer for this discussion.
Immediately afterwards, Julia Holze will show how we can put these findings into practice. In her session “Breaking Myths – The Real Traits of Successful Startup Founders”, she will dispel outdated notions. As co-founder of COSMICGOLD and with 25 years of experience in the startup and corporate world, she knows exactly what is important when scientists want to bring their innovations to the world.
What fascinates me about her work is that she shows that scientists in particular have what it takes to be successful founders – even if they often don’t see it themselves.
From Knowledge to Impact
Do you know what’s best? All these experts are passionate about their topic. This won’t be one of those “Death by PowerPoint” conferences. This will be an explosion of aha moments. A celebration of what happens when brilliant minds stop hiding their light under a bushel.
When I saw the program in its entirety for the first time, I thought: “This is it. This is the moment when we finally break down this artificial division between expertise and impact.”
Your next step towards effectively communicating your expertise
By the way: If you want more of Julia’s pragmatic approach, we’ll be working on exactly that at the Speaker Camp in July. Her experience as a founder who set up a deep-tech venture studio in the middle of the pandemic is worth its weight in gold. And if you want to delve deeper into voice work after the session with Simone Dietrich – the Speaker Retreat is the perfect opportunity for that too.
So, are you in? I can’t wait to meet you and see your expertise finally have the impact it deserves.
P.S.: Bring along your trickiest communication challenges. The more complex, the more exciting it gets!
