Most people struggle with storytelling for the same reason.
Nobody taught them the mechanics, so their stories drift. They over-explain. They start too early, end too late, and miss the moment that actually matters. People nod politely. Nothing lands.
That’s not a talent problem. It’s a craft problem. StoryLab exists to fix that. This is practice-based. Not theory.
Six weeks. Same people. Same Zoom room. One story, built properly from Week 1 to Week 6. No inspirational fluff. No “just be authentic” nonsense. You’ll craft your story both ways: written (~1,500 words) and told aloud (5-7 minutes). Same story. Two forms. Real craft.
The six weeks:
- Week 1 (2nd Sept): Why this story and why now. Opening with impact.
- Week 2 (9th Sept): What’s actually at risk for your character and your listener.
- Week 3 (16th Sept): Structure that holds. A flexible framework you’ll use on every story after this.
- Week 4 (23rd Sept): Scene. How to make pictures in the listener’s mind.
- Week 5 (30th Sept): Character, voice and conflict, including your own.
- Week 6 (7th Oct): Edit. Cut what you love so the story can live.
By Week 6 you’ll have:
- One complete story – written (~1,500 words) and told aloud (5–7 minutes without notes)
- Six professional techniques you can apply to any story from here
- Your Story Bank framework for building the next one without starting from scratch
This only works if you show up
You’ll write between sessions. Practice aloud in small groups. Give and receive feedback
Teaching is recorded and available for 7 days, but this is not a “watch it later” experience. If you want passive content, there are cheaper options. If you want skill, this requires participation.
Who this is for
StoryLab is for people who know they have a story worth telling, and haven’t told it yet.
You might be navigating a professional transition and need to articulate what you’ve learned. You might be carrying a family story that’s in danger of disappearing. You might use story in your work – teaching, leading, fundraising – and want to do it with more craft and less guesswork.
What you all have in common: one moment from your life that still has heat in it. That’s enough to start.
You don’t need a story chosen in advance. That’s what Week 1 is for.
What you get:
- 6 × 90-minute live sessions (3 weeks + integration break + 3 weeks)
- Small, consistent cohort – maximum 12 people
- Direct teaching and guided practice in breakout groups
- One complete story in two forms: written and told aloud
- Six techniques you’ll reuse for the rest of your life
- Teaching recordings available for 7 days
- Story Bank method for ongoing work
This is about skill, not certificates or gold stars but you’ll get them too!
A note from Sita:
I’m Sita Brand, founder of Settle Stories, an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. I’ve spent four decades telling stories in prisons, on stages, in funding rooms, and in the moments that actually matter. I trained with Dr Clarissa Pinkola Estés and was ordained by Thich Nhat Hanh.
What I know for certain: storytelling isn’t magic. It’s method. The same techniques work whether you’re writing for the page or speaking aloud, whether you’re crafting a memoir piece, pitching an idea, or telling the truth about your life.
StoryLab isn’t about becoming “a storyteller.” It’s about learning how story works, so you can use it deliberately, ethically, and well.
Six weeks. One story. Written and told. This is real craft.
Dates and investment
When: Wednesdays 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th September and 7th
Time: 7:00–8:30pm BST, live on Zoom
Size: Maximum 12
Early bird (by 31st May 2026) : £217
Standard: £247 (Payment plans available.)
Questions welcome. But fair warning: this is for people ready to practice, not just think about it.
Not sure yet? There’s a 2-hour Finding Your Story workshop. This we call Session Zero. Try the framework and experience the teaching.
Next Sessions: 7th April 2-4pm, and 11th July 2-4pm (bookings opening soon).
