Narrative for Better Decisions
Build the skills and knowledge to curate a compelling narrative to support decision making
Description
This course builds the skills required to create a compelling narrative for decision-making purposes. Engaging and practical, the course teaches participants the skills required to select the best content for decision makers, and present it in the most compelling way. Participants will learn how to streamline specialist knowledge into policy narrative, with practical tips and tricks for writing clearly and efficiently. It comprises ten hours of learning over two weeks, plus a one-hour wrap-up session.
Testimonial 2
"I've been in the policy business for over 20 years and found lots of useful and practical tips in this course"
- Principal | Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Course format
The course combines facilitator-led, live learning sessions with self-led content that learners complete online at their own pace. Learners are encouraged to complete all the coursework and collaborate and learn from each other.
Each week of the two-week consists of:
- a two-hour facilitator-led, live learning session
- approximately three hours of self-led learning and coursework.
There is a one-hour wrap up session to close the course.
Testimonial 1
"Excellent course. The structure was logical and easy to follow, the content was well explained and the methods were practical and applicable to policy work. You gave me ways to improve my writing that will stick and work"
- Policy Analyst | Ministry for the Environment
What is covered in the course
Session one
- Narrative fundamentals.
- The essential elements of narrative.
- The five-step narrative process.
- Coursework: practise steps one and two of the narrative process.
Session two
- Steps three, four and five of the narrative process.
- Language, tone, and style.
- Executive summary.
- Recommendations.
- Coursework: practise steps three, four and five of the narrative process.
Wrap up
- Recap on key learnings.
- ‘Ask Me Anything’ with your facilitator.
What you will learn
By attending this course you will:
- understand the essential elements of an effective narrative
- practise a process for developing a compelling narrative for decision-making purposes
- understand how to apply these skills to written communications in a polished, plain English style.
Who should attend
This course is best suited for graduates, subject matter experts who are new to government advisory roles, senior/policy analysts and whole teams who wish to establish a shared view of quality advice.