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42Courses

Storytelling

9h
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Three things you can count on.

A CPD-accredited Mini MBA.

CPD-certified learning that you can actually see, date, and track.

Marked by humans, not bots.

Your work gets reviewed by a real person, and you'll usually hear back within 24 hours.

Personalised to your role.

We rework each lesson to match the job you do, so you can put it into practice right away.

About this course

Storytelling is one of the strongest ways to connect with people, earn their trust, and get them to actually act on what you're saying.

In this course, you'll learn how to shape stories that feel interesting, stick in people's minds, and still do the job you want them to do.

You'll go through the core ideas behind storytelling, including the main kinds of stories, how to map out a clear structure, and how to choose language that creates real impact.

We'll also look at the science side of why stories work, and show you how to use that knowledge to your advantage.

Your instructors are seasoned professional storytellers, such as Keith Reinhard, Gabriela Lungu, Rory Sutherland, and more.

You'll get access to more than 50 case studies and inspiration examples, designed to show you how to make your stories as compelling as possible.

When you finish, you'll be able to write and tell stories that grab attention and help you move toward your goals.

Or you could scroll YouTube and watch cat videos. No judgement. Still, if your goal is to learn how to tell stories that get people listening, this course is built for you.

We'll walk you through everything, from spotting a good idea to delivering it in a way people will remember.

Once you complete the course, you'll receive a CPD-accredited certificate you can proudly add to your CV or LinkedIn profile.

Ready to start?

Sign up today and begin learning how to tell stories that can make a real difference.

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Learning with 42courses

We put together this short course to break down why storytelling matters and why it sits right at the centre of any brand that's doing well.

By combining videos from key contributors and highlighting award-winning work, we'll help you get comfortable with the basics of great storytelling, plus the practical techniques and principles you need to improve fast.

The way you'll learn fits a modern, digital lifestyle. Lessons are kept short and easy to fit around your schedule, and each one ends with a quick quiz to help you check your understanding. As you go, you'll earn points and badges, so you can see how you're getting on compared to others.

What level of learning is this?

  • Every course on 42courses is designed to teach you the fundamentals (meaning you'll finish with a solid understanding of the topic, plus the key techniques, models, and good practice).
  • Real tutors review your progress across the course and help redirect you if you hit a roadblock.

How long does it take to complete a course?

  • Most people complete a course in about 7-9 hours. There are no strict time limits, and it's broken into short, bite-sized lessons.
  • Since everything is on-demand, you can start and stop whenever you want. No waiting around for someone to mark your work.

What you'll learn:

  • Learn how to become a stronger storyteller
  • Level up your communication skills
  • Make your stories more memorable
  • Write headlines that draw people in
  • Get to grips with the science behind storytelling

Who's it for

Built for you.

If you're a:

  • Someone who wants to use storytelling to communicate better
  • Marketers and creatives who want fresh ideas and clear guidance
  • CEO or Founder trying to grow the business
  • Anyone who wants to be noticed and remembered

A peek behind the curtain.

💡

Inside a lesson

Short, story-based lessons that won't put you to sleep. About 15 minutes each, with a mix of video, writing a strong story, and a question to confirm the key idea really landed.

💡

AI personalisation

Designed around your role and what you're aiming to achieve. Tell us what you do and what you're trying to improve. Each lesson is adapted so you get practical takeaways for your specific day-to-day. The frameworks and data stay the same; the examples become relevant to you.

💡

Real feedback

A real person on your side. Some questions are marked manually by our team. If you need guidance, you'll get it. And if you're stuck, we can jump on a call to help you move forward.

💡

The certificate

A Mini MBA certificate you can be proud to show. It's CPD-accredited, signed, dated, and trackable. Plus, our completion rate is over 80% compared to an industry norm that's much closer to 10%.

42courses vs typical online courses.

Feature 42courses Typical platform
Marking & feedback by real people ? Within 24 hours ' Auto-quiz only
Personalised by role & sector ? Lessons adapted to you ' Same content for everyone
Taught by working practitioners ? The people who wrote the book ' Often academics or actors
Average completion rate ? Over 80% ' 5 to 15% (industry average)
CPD-accredited Mini MBA certificate ? Every course ' Sometimes
30-day money back, no questions ? If you aren't satisfied, we'll sort it ' Usually a 7-day refund window

Questions you might be pondering.

Roughly eight hours in total, broken into bite-sized lessons of around 15 minutes each. Most learners wrap it up in about two weeks. There's no time limit though, so you can pause whenever life or work gets busy.
Not at all. We start with the basics and build from there. You'll learn a fresh way to look at the topic using insights from some of the best voices in the field. Whether you're brand new, or you've already been doing this for years, you'll find something useful to apply right away.
Each lesson ends with a short question to check you're really following. In every course, selected questions are marked by a real person from our team. If you need a nudge, they respond with notes to help you get there. And if you ever want to talk something through or you're genuinely stuck, we're always happy to arrange a call.
From the day you enrol, you have 30 days to request a full refund. It's no drama, no questions asked, and there's no awkward exit conversation. We respond within 24 hours, often even sooner. If you're not happy, then we're not happy either.
The books give you the theory and the research. This course is where you turn that into action, with examples and practical takeaways tailored to your role and your goals. By the end, every lesson should feel usable, not just interesting.
Yes. Learners have used it across tech, healthcare, retail, banking, government, charities, and education. We personalise every lesson around your role and goals, so the activities and examples adjust to what's relevant to your world.
Yes. Most learning and development budgets can cover this without a problem. If you need it for work, we can provide a VAT-friendly invoice on request. Just email us at groundcontrol@42courses.com . For groups of 10 or more, check out Team plans.
You'll get a CPD-accredited certificate that's recognised across the UK and internationally for continuing professional development. It's personalised with your name, and it's signed, dated, and trackable. Add it to your LinkedIn, your CV, your performance review, or wherever you keep proof of your progress.

Tools You'll Explore

Cannes Lions

Cannes Lions

Since it first took place in 1954, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has been a yearly meeting point for the creative communications industry. People come to Cannes to learn, connect, and celebrate work that really stands out. And now, for the first time, you can access inspiration from the very best without leaving home. Website : canneslions.com

Debbi Vandeven

Debbi Vandeven

Debbi is the global chief creative officer at VMLY&R. After joining VML in 2000, she helped build a collaborative creative environment that delivers smart, innovative solutions for clients around the world, including Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Electrolux/Frigidaire, Ford, Gatorade, Mastercard, New Balance, PepsiCo, QuikTrip and Wendy's. Her approach is big on the idea, not just the channel, and she encourages teams to treat every project through that lens. Website : vml.com

Keith Reinhard

Keith Reinhard

Keith Reinhard is Chairman Emeritus of the DDB Worldwide Communications Group, Inc., one of the largest and most decorated advertising agency networks. He's an Advertising Hall of Fame member, and Advertising Age once described him as the industry's 'soft-spoken visionary'. In 1999, he was also named one of the 100 most influential figures in advertising history. Website : DDB.com

Gabriela Lungu

Gabriela Lungu

Gabriela is the global Creative Director at VMLY&R Commerce. She's also a Cannes Lions award-winning creative leader and entrepreneur. With more than 20 years of international experience across advertising and PR, Gabriela now supports other professionals with a focus on storytelling. Website : WINGS Creative Leadership Lab

Rory Sutherland

Rory Sutherland

Rory Sutherland is one of the most influential thinkers in advertising and behavioural science. He's President Emeritus of Ogilvy Consulting, where he co-founded the agency's groundbreaking behavioural science practice, and he's also the bestselling author of Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don't Make Sense. Rory joined Ogilvy in 1988 as a graduate trainee. After more than two decades working as a copywriter and creative director, he shifted his focus to a bigger question: why do people really behave the way they do? His broad answer is that humans are beautifully irrational, and that this isn't a flaw, it's a feature. The behavioural science team he helped shape is all about spotting the small psychological changes that can lead to surprisingly large effects. His TED talks, including 'Life Lessons from an Ad Man', have been viewed millions of times, which has made him one of TED's most watched marketing minds. He also writes The Wiki Man column for The Spectator, is a former President of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA), and founded Nudgestock, the world's biggest festival focused on behavioural science and creativity, described by many as 'Glastonbury for nerds'. Alongside Alchemy, his books include The Wiki Man and Transport for Humans (co-authored with Pete Dyson). A common thread in all his work is that logic is often overvalued, that a 'bad idea' can still lead to a good alternative, and that the biggest improvements in business and life don't usually come from doing more. They come from thinking differently. Rory lives in Kent, England, and remains advertising's most quotable champion of the illogical.

Chris Baylis

Chris Baylis

Chris Baylis is a multiple Cannes Lions award-winning creative thinker and leader, with over 18 years of experience across integrated advertising, marketing, copywriting, and brand building. Chris is currently based in Amsterdam, though he's originally from London and has worked across the world. Website : cargocollective.com

What we'll cover, in order.

An Introduction to Storytelling

Understand what stories are, where they come from and why we need to master our storytelling talents.
The Power of Storytelling
What are Stories?
The Evolution of Storytelling

Brands and Storytelling

Learn how and why storytelling sits at the heart of any successful brand.
Brands and Storytelling
Always Tell The Truth
The 3 Ps
A Force for Change
It's Good for Business

The Science Behind Storytelling

Understand the science behind how storytelling works. How and why is it such an effective tool?
Human Beings Seek Meaning
Make Me Care
Make Your Story Memorable
Your Brain On Stories

The Building Blocks Of A Story

There are many components that make up a story. Learn what they are and how to optimise each one to make the most impact.
Archetypes
Your Audience
The Protagonist
The Importance Of A Catchy Headline
The End Goal

Putting The Blocks Together

Understand how best to put together all the key components that make up a story.
The Shortest Story Ever Told
The Three Act Structure
The 'Peak-End' rule
The Curiosity Gap
Storyboarding
Transmedia Storytelling

How To Tell Better Stories

Master the key techniques and principles to help you to tell better stories.
Break Through The Attention Filter
The Role of Humour
Create Conflict
Do Something Unexpected
Guidelines But No Hard Rules
Be Gossip-Worthy

Certification Process

1

Complete all the classes

Attend classes, ask questions, and finish your homework. We check your activity and support your learning journey every step of the way.

2

Get the Summary Notes

Receive high-quality supporting documents, summary notes, and recommended readings. Ensure you have access to all tools and resources.

3

Complete 100% Impact

Complete the final assessment to validate your learning. Earn your certificate and share your achievement with your professional network!

Storytelling
Free
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This Course Includes:

Level Access
9h of Content
Certificate of Completion
English

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