Develop public speaking skills
To be a leader—in both work and life—you have to be an effective communicator. And storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for connecting with and inspiring others. Story Lab is designed to teach you to craft and deliver compelling stories that will help you stand out.
How Story Lab works
- A storytelling workshop kicks the program off—helping you develop story skills as well as executive presence (confident vocals and body language) and leadership skills (charisma, authenticity) through immersive activities.
- Ongoing peer coaching throughout the program helps you collaborate and mentor each other in a safe, supportive environment.
- Story Lab ends with a showcase featuring student stories providing you with networking opportunities with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the business community.
- Stories from the showcase will be professionally recorded giving you a polished video to add to your resume.
Other cool stuff you get—materials including the book How to Tell a Story by The Moth and other helpful resources. On-campus Story Lab events include meals and refreshments, as well as professionally produced showcase videos and more. Learn more about the Story Lab experience.
Student resources
- Story Starters PDF (story planning tool from the workshop)
- Story Sketch PDF (story planning tool from the workshop)
- Story Notes PDF (story feedback form from the workshop)
- Story Resources PDF (contact info and reading list)
“I think my stories can motivate people to get to where they want to be. They can also show who I am and why I think the way I do.”
Story Lab programs
Tippie offers in-person Story Lab workshops open to all on-campus students, faculty, and staff. For our Iowa MBA students and alumni, we offer online Story Lab programming including workshops, coaching, and showcase events.
Questions? Contact Nick Westergaard at nick-westergaard@uiowa.edu.
The Story Lab experience
Through a series of immersive experiences from the kickoff to the showcase, you'll develop storytelling and leadership skills.
"It’s really important for leaders to gain the credibility of those that they’re leading. Storytelling about oneself is a way for people to gain credibility .... It’s a real strategic advantage for the students .... One thing that I’m hearing in terms of reactions from students is the experience of having a new network and cohort of people they now have a deeper connection with because they’ve each told their stories"
Contact us
Nick Westergaard
Faculty Director, Story Lab
319-325-0921
nick-westergaard@uiowa.edu