Framing and Narratives training
We offer a range of online and in-person training options to suit people looking to learn new skills as well as those looking to hone their existing skills.
Foundations in Framing and Narratives - online delivery
Our Foundations in Framing and Narratives online course is for people who want to understand and use better narratives for talking about the big issues. Changing how we talk about big issues helps shift mindsets and helps people understand and support changes that will make the biggest difference to people’s lives. Foundations is where you can start your training journey with The Workshop.
| Duration | 9 weeks, 3-4 hours per week |
| Format | Online short course |
| Course features | Weekly self directed modules, individual activities, small group work, trainer feedback |
What to expect from Online Foundations
Delivered over nine weeks, this online course is our most comprehensive training. New content is delivered weekly, and participants are able to work through this at a flexible pace to complete individual activities and participate in discussion forums.
Each participant is assigned a pod group for collaborative learning and reflection which can be done online. Each pod decides together when and how they meet each week. We recommend you spend 3–4 hours a week working through the course content, completing activities, and connecting with your pod group.
Support and learning from your trainer
Your trainer will support your learning within the online platform by offering insights in discussion forums, providing feedback on activities, and answering questions about your work. Your trainer will also facilitate the live Zoom introductory session and two Zoom Q&A sessions.
Who should attend
Foundations in Framing and Narratives training is ideal for scientists, researchers, writers, advocates, campaigners, communicators, organisers, fundraisers, policy makers, and leaders of organisations who want to deepen people’s thinking on complex issues so that people will support the big changes that are needed.
This training is for anyone who wants to motivate people to support big social and environmental changes over the long-term, and build a more just, sustainable, and democratic world.
What you will learn
How framing and narratives contribute to long-lasting change, and what gets in the way
Techniques to engage people with a clear, compelling vision and give people hope that change is possible
Why using helpful narratives is vital for shifting public opinion
How to identify your audience and decide who to focus your communications on
The role values play in shifting the mindsets that people hold
How to deepen understanding by explaining rather than describing
Ways to foster collaboration in order to shift narratives and mindsets together
Key components of a proven narrative strategy and story structure
Book private training
If you’ve got a group of 12 or more people wanting to work together on a similar topic or issue, talk with our team about booking private Foundations in Framing and Narratives training. Private training runs just like our public training but you’ll get the extra benefit of building connections and learning alongside other people who are working on similar topics.
Introduction to Framing and Narratives - in person delivery
Our one-day, Introduction to Framing and Narratives training is designed for people who want to talk more effectively about the changes that will make the biggest difference in their area of work.
Delivered in-person as a full-day workshop, this training is a great introduction to framing and narratives. Whether you’re all in the same organisation, or individuals or groups working on similar issues, this training is the ideal way to come together to learn the fundamentals of using framing to create change.
| Duration | 1 day, 7.5 hours |
| Format | In person in Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch |
| Course features | Live in-person training with expert trainer, small group work |
What to expect
Training is facilitated by our expert narrative advisors who will guide discussions, group activities, and reflection on what you are learning. In this course you’ll learn how to weave your expertise into effective communications which get people onboard and build support for the changes you’re working towards.
Over the training you will practice a set of tools and techniques to help you make intentional decisions about the effect that your communications are likely to have on people’s thinking. This training will help you better understand the challenges your face and jump you straight to the solutions you can use.
Who should attend
This training is designed for scientists, researchers, writers, advocates, campaigners, communicators, organisers, fundraisers, policy makers, and leaders of organisations who want to quickly supercharge their communications to deepen people’s thinking on complex issues.
What you will learn
How to create long lasting change by shifting how people think and talk about your topic
Why a concrete vision is vital to help people think productively about big problems and solutions
How to identify current unhelpful mindsets and what to do about them
The importance of strategic collaboration to drive impact
How to identify your target audience and where to put your energy
A set of strategies to connect with people and help them think constructively about your topic
Key components of a proven narrative strategy and story structure to apply across your work
Why explanatory pathways are more impactful than facts and data on their own
Introduction to Framing and Narratives - live virtual delivery
Our Live Virtual training delivers our standard Introduction to Framing and Narratives content via online Zoom sessions over several weeks. Each session includes facilitated discussion, small group activities, and reflections on learning. This training option is ideal for individuals or groups from anywhere across the motu who want to quickly supercharge communications and learn tell their story effectively.
| Duration | Usually four x 2-hour sessions, 8 hours |
| Format | By Zoom |
| Course features | Live virtual training with expert trainer, small group work |
What people say about our training
“It is worth every cent! This is an evidence based, well-paced, informative and thought-provoking course that will leave you with a renewed sense of clarity about your vision, purpose and skills to make it all happen!” - Aych McArdle, Curative
"Absolutely do it, it is one of the biggest things I point to that has helped me strengthen my mahi in social justice"
"During the course of the day, all I could think was how great it would be if all our politicians, media and decision-makers could take this course! What a different world we might live in!" - Georgina Morrison, Environment Hubs Aotearoa
"I appreciated having the full day to absorb all the information and delivered in a way with examples, kōrero, and questions from attendees interwoven. The trainers, Julie and Minette, were wonderful and it was clear that they both hold a wealth of knowledge, and able to draw from relevant examples to enrich the delivery. Thank you!” - Stephanie Xie
"100% recommend it - offers such helpful frames, tools and ways to really shift how we talk about our mahi and to understand why some of the current ways we talk about it is getting us nowhere" - Joy Davidson, CAYAD, Auckland Council
"It will change how you communicate and lift off a level of stress and negativity when you shift your focus to persuadables and leading with the right values" - Patrick Gifford, Community Impact, Auckland Council