Cultivating Influence: Presence, Storytelling, & Impactful Communication
Cultivating Influence Series
Cultivating Influence through Presence, Storytelling, and Impactful Communication Faculty Workshop Series
The ability to communicate one’s research in ways that connect and inspire is critical to build reputation, make your work known beyond the boundaries of your discipline, and garner awareness and support from agencies, funders, future collaborators and the public. Whether you are seeking funding from new sources, trying to reach broader audiences, experimenting with new communication channels, or simply hoping to be more effective in the spaces in which you currently present, this workshop series aims to equip you with tools to enhance your reach and influence. Designed for university faculty, the series will cover seven essential topics:
- Gravitas: Techniques for Effective Use of Body, Space and Voice
Thomas Freeland, Advanced Lecturer, Writing and Rhetoric Studies
January 22, 2026, 4 - 5:15 pm, in person with limited capacity - Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot
Matt Abrahams, Lecturer in Organizational Behavior, Stanford Graduate School of Business
February 9, 2026, 12 - 1 pm, on Zoom - Captivating Audiences through Storytelling: Turning Knowledge into Narrative
Jonah Willihnganz, Director, The Stanford Storytelling Project
Dawn Jewel Fraser, Senior Producer, The Stanford Storytelling Project
February 26, 12 - 1 pm, on Zoom - Developing Your Scholarly Brand and Digital Presence
Helen L. Chen, Research Scientist, Center for Design Research, Department of Mechanical Engineering; Co-Founder, Integrative Learning Portfolio Lab, Stanford Career Education
April 15, 2026, 12 - 1 pm, on Zoom - Strategic Digital Engagement: Building a Meaningful Presence Across Social Networks
John Stafford, Assistant Vice President, Marketing & Digital Strategy, University Communications
April 22, 2026, 12 - 1 pm, on Zoom - Engaging in Public Discourse through the Op-Ed
Oriana Skylar Mastro, Center Fellow and Director of the Indo-Pacific Policy Lab at the Freeman Splogi Institute for International Studies, and by courtesy, Assistant Professor of Political Science
May 1, 2026, 12 - 1 pm, on Zoom - Straight from Faculty: Lessons and Advice
Russ Altman, Kenneth Fong Professor of Bioengineering, Genetics, Medicine, Biomedical Data Science and (by courtesy) Professor of Computer Science; Thomas S. Mullaney, Professor of History and (by courtesy) Professor of East Asian Languages and Cultures; and Joy Wu, Gerald M. Reaven, MD Professor of Endocrinology, Chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology and Metabolism, and Vice Chair of Basic and Translational Science, Department of Medicine
May 14, 2026, 4 - 5:15 pm, in person
Each session combines expert-led discussions, interactive activities, and practical exercises, equipping you with skills that elevate your ability to connect and lead with confidence in academic and public spaces. Please join us for one or more sessions by registering here. In-person locations and Zoom links will be provided to registered attendees.
This series is a joint effort by the Office for Faculty Advancement and the School of Medicine’s Office of Academic Affairs. All university faculty are welcome to attend.