Story Lab

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.

On-Campus Sign Up

Presented by
Tippie Leadership Collaborative

Events

Story Lab Workshop #1

Thursday, September 18, 2025 5:00pm to 8:00pm

Pappajohn Business Building

Kick off the semester with Story Lab—a hands-on workshop (offered four times, so you can pick what works for you) where you’ll learn how to craft and deliver stories that connect, inspire, and lead. Expect interactive activities, leadership insights, and yes… FREE food and drinks. Hurry! Slots fill up fast — RSVP for one of the four workshops.

Story Lab Workshop #2

Thursday, September 25, 2025 5:00pm to 8:00pm

Pappajohn Business Building

Kick off the semester with Story Lab—a hands-on workshop (offered four times, so you can pick what works for you) where you’ll learn how to craft and deliver stories that connect, inspire, and lead. Expect interactive activities, leadership insights, and yes… FREE food and drinks. Hurry! Slots fill up fast — RSVP for one of the four workshops.

Story Lab Workshop #3

Thursday, October 2, 2025 5:00pm to 8:00pm

Pappajohn Business Building

Kick off the semester with Story Lab—a hands-on workshop (offered four times, so you can pick what works for you) where you’ll learn how to craft and deliver stories that connect, inspire, and lead. Expect interactive activities, leadership insights, and yes… FREE food and drinks. Hurry! Slots fill up fast — RSVP for one of the four workshops.

View more events

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)

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.

On-Campus Sign Up

Questions? Contact Nick Westergaard at nick-westergaard@uiowa.edu.