Your career is moving to the next level and how you communicate is more important than ever. Emails to clients, internal meetings, video presentations, conflict resolution, client deliverables, and, of course, standing on a stage or at the end of a conference-room table and delivering a message to a group of people. You have stories to tell and deserve to be listened to, so it's imperative you have all the tools necessary to command attention, whether it's in a one-on-one meeting or addressing a ballroom of five-hundred people.
Larkspur's one-day Immersive Storytelling Program will teach you how to find the confidence to be a persuasive, compelling, and memorable communicator. You'll leave with an ability to better communicate not only within your business world, but throughout all aspects of your life.
What our clients are saying
“This immersive storytelling training was incredibly valuable to me. I went from having no idea how to give a presentation to understanding the basics and now feeling confident to tackle them head-on.”
“I enjoyed taking this class, with so many tips and tricks that improved my public speaking on the spot!”
What are the details?
Hosted by Carter Wilson and Ali Hoyt, the one-day Immersive Storytelling Program will take place in Denver, Colorado. Because this is an immersive and interactive seminar, we've found that success lies in smaller groups, and as such we've limited the program to 10 participants. The event will run from 9 am to 4 pm, with lunch included.
Who is this for?
Anyone looking to learn how to communicate to their fullest potential. Whether you're just starting to give presentations, already have some experience speaking, or spend your day writing emails and proposals, we'll coach you on how to grab your audience's attention by messaging through storytelling while playing to your natural strengths and personality.
What will I learn?
The six hours of interactive instruction are broken into three segments as follows:
SEGMENT I: Effective Public Speaking (4 hours)
The largest block of the program, Effective Public Speaking, will give you the tools you need to command attention every time you present. After discussing the psychology of putting yourself out there, Carter and Ali will lead you through a series of exercises and scenarios designed to build confidence, maximize your strengths, and showcase your individual personality and style.
We'll be giving you practical tips on things such as tone, breathing, posture, pace, body language, and messaging, then allow you the opportunity to try things out in front of the small group. Are you planning to take the stage? Great! We'll be discussing best practices for before, during, and after your presentation. We'll also be highlighting other presentation types, including small group meetings, online presentations, phone calls and everyday casual conversations.
Imagine: you’re not only no longer afraid of public speaking, but craving it. It's possible. We’ve been there and can help you get there, too.
SEGMENT II: Business Writing and Presentation Prep (1 hour)
Too many people think business writing needs to be stiff, formal, and obtuse. They couldn’t be more wrong. Carter leads the business writing portion of the segment, using his decades as both a business executive and bestselling novelist to teach you that all writing is storytelling, whether it’s an email, proposal, article, or extensive study. It’s about connecting with the reader, getting to the point, and making an impression.
Ali will guide you through presentation prep, in which she’s an expert. Think Powerpoints need to be dull, dry, and full of data? She will coach on how to streamline presentations, embrace persuasive design techniques, make data compelling, and, most of all, make sure you connect with your audience.
SEGMENT III: Leading Meetings and Listening (1 hour)
A big part of communicating is simply listening, but how many of us do that effectively? When you’re leading a meeting, are you considering what your audience is telling you and incorporating it into your messaging? In this segment we’ll lead you through a series of exercises aimed to enhance your interpersonal communication dynamics within small groups, whether it’s leading a daily staff meeting or having a difficult, one-on-one conversation with an employee or co-worker.
What do I need to prepare for the program?
Nothing! We only ask that you come well rested, with an open mind, and ready to learn and participate. Like everything, you get out what you put in, and we’ve found that those students willing to listen, to engage, and to be vulnerable are those who leave ready to take their communication skills to the next level.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel your registration for any reason, the following applies:
Up to 30 days before the start of the program, the registration fee will be fully refunded.
Between 30 and 15 days before the start of the program, 50% of the registration fee will be refunded.
Less than 15 days before the start of the program, there will be no refund or credit.
Location Details
The program will be hosted at Enterprise Coworking, located at 3000 Lawrence St. in Denver, Colorado. This location is conveniently located 30 minutes from the Denver International Airport and accessible via the A Line commuter rail from the airport. There are three hotels within a 5-minute drive: Vib Hotel Denver Rino, The Source Hotel, Cambria Hotel Denver Downtown RiNo.
Your Coaches
Carter Wilson, ISHC
Co-Founder
Carter has over three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, nearly all of them spent consulting. After fifteen years serving as Senior Vice President with HVS, Carter then spent a dozen years overseeing STR's consulting operations. A firm believer using complex data to weave simple narratives, Carter has extensive public-speaking experience, lecturing frequently at major conferences and company events for audiences from ten to 1,500.
In his other life, Carter is also the USA Today bestselling author of nine critically acclaimed, standalone psychological thriller novels, as well as numerous short stories. He is an ITW Thriller Award finalist, a five-time winner of the Colorado Book Award, and his novels have been optioned for television and film.
Ali Hoyt, ISHC
Co-Founder
Ali was Senior Director of Consulting at STR for nearly 11 years. She led a consulting team that provided consulting services across a large, global, and diverse client base. Using STR’s proprietary database of hotel performance data, the consulting team worked directly with clients to deliver customized solutions that empowered clients to make informed decisions and implement effective strategies. Ali was a frequent speaker at industry conferences and meetings.
Ali is a member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC). In 2016, Ali was awarded the Lori Raleigh Award for Emerging Excellence in Hospitality Consulting from ISHC. Ali earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration.