COM 104 — The Power of Storytelling in Business and Beyond
Quarter: Spring
Instructor(s): Laura Joyce Davis
Date(s): Apr 16—May 21
Class Recording Available: No
Class Meeting Day: Thursdays
Grade Restriction: NGR only; no credit/letter grade
Class Meeting Time: 6:30—8:00 pm (PT)
Tuition: $395
Refund Deadline: Apr 18
Unit(s): 0
Status: Open
Quarter: Spring
Day: Thursdays
Duration: 6 weeks
Time: 6:30—8:00 pm (PT)
Date(s): Apr 16—May 21
Unit(s): 0
Tuition: $395
Refund Deadline: Apr 18
Instructor(s): Laura Joyce Davis
Grade Restriction: NGR only; no credit/letter grade
Recording Available: No
Status: Open
Stories shape how ideas are heard—and how they’re acted upon. A well-told story can turn a business plan into a vision people believe in, a meeting into true collaboration, or a presentation into a call to action. This interactive course shows how narrative techniques can elevate communication in presentations, meetings, interviews, and even email. We’ll study the core elements of story craft (structure, clarity, voice) and apply them to make ideas vivid and memorable. Through six-word stories, story improv, comedic timing drills, and other interactive exercises, participants will practice techniques that bring energy and lasting impact to their messages. We’ll also consider how storytelling fuels influence, negotiation, and leadership—and how mastering it can change what people hear and remember. By the end of the course, you’ll have adaptable tools to craft stories that inspire action across any audience or occasion.
LAURA JOYCE DAVIS
CEO and Co-Founder, Narrative Podcasts
Laura Joyce Davis is the CEO and co-founder of Narrative Podcasts, which provides online education and live workshops for audio storytellers. She leads team trainings and courses at Google and was named a Podcast Magazine Top Influencer in Podcasting. Her work has been recognized with a Fulbright scholarship, a PRNEWS Social Impact Award, and an International Women's Podcast Award. She was previously managing editor at the Stanford Storytelling Project. Davis received an MFA in fiction writing from Mills College. Textbooks for this course:
There are no required textbooks; however, some fee-based online readings may be assigned.