About

Story Lab powered by the Sanger Leadership Center with M-LEAD and the Ford School. Learn how to use the art of storytelling to craft and deliver compelling messages to influence and inpsire. In this half-day retreat, you will discover your voice and adopt proven storycraft techniques while developing the verbal communication skills effective leaders use to engage and activate people in today’s complex world.

Open to any U-M student, Story Lab develops executive-level presence and communication skills through storytelling workshops and events. To be an effective leader — at work, in the community, or in your personal life — you must be able to communicate with impact. Often this means telling stories that are meaningful to you and others, and doing so in the rich language and expressive style of a seasoned storyteller. If you can craft and deliver an effective story, you will be better able to convey your value to recruiters, inspire and motivate classmates and colleagues, and influence any audience you find yourself addressing. At Story Lab, you’ll find a fun and immersive experience and an opportunity to hone your skills in a safe and supportive environment. Select students will recieve one-on-one communication coaching and interested participants will have the opportunity to share their story live on stage at our Story Lab Showcase events– “The Moth-style” storytelling events open to the public and held each semester.

Competencies:
Authenticity, Empathy, Facilitation, Feedback, Self-Awareness

“Truthfully, Story Lab does what many workshops cannot achieve: it teaches attendees vital communication skills from a new lens and keeps them engaged for five hours. At the end of the workshop, everyone sitting at my table exchanged socials and contacts—hard to believe you could make new friends in such a short time, all while learning too.” - George Kolarchick, BBA '24