Dr. Nancy Goldman delivered this webinar to Teachers College, Columbia University alumni. Here she combines storytelling principles and academic research to help viewers

When I decided that I wanted to tell personal stories, I had no idea how or where to begin. Besides, who wanted to hear my stories or my complaints? What had happened to me that was so story-worthy?  Plus, I had not written a story or essay since acting school, which was a long time ago.

Transfix your audiences with the gems inside and around you. As an introvert, my first thought was: “Oh no. I’m being put on the spot to tell a story without time for adequate preparation. Get me out of here.” But my second thought was: “Stay the course. I like to tell stories...

Listening is given lip service. From the time we are children, we’re told that listening is important – how else are we to gain the wisdom that adults have?

Although an essential communication skill, listening does not receive the same attention as speaking. As an often-required class, project or professional event, public speaking takes center stage.