Learning Objectives: Provide students with the tools to understand the strategic role of storytelling in Marketing, Branding, and Corporate Communication activities. Explore the connection between corporate storytelling and stakeholder engagement. Develop skills in the creation and management of a corporate narrative project. Learning Outcomes: Knowledge: Understanding of key theories on corporate storytelling. Ability to analyze case studies of business storytelling. Proficiency in creating corporate narrative projects. Skills: Design and implement a narrative plan aligned with an organization’s mission and values. Use storytelling tools and techniques to communicate effectively with different audiences. Soft Skills: Ability to work in teams to develop narrative projects. Development of critical and creative thinking applied to corporate communication.
Course Prerequisites
Required Knowledge: Basic concepts of marketing and communication. Familiarity with organizational and corporate dynamics (preferred, but not mandatory). Knowledge of storytelling and semiotics (preferred, but not mandatory). Soft Skills: Critical thinking and analytical skills. Writing and communication abilities.
Teaching Methods
• Lectures: for theoretical introduction • Practical workshops: for exercises and group work (included in every session) • Case study analysis: to examine and compare real-world examples • Guided discussions: to foster critical thinking
Assessment Methods
• Written test: with specific tasks requiring the analysis of case studies and the development of narrative outputs.
Texts
• Main reading: Fontana, A. (2020). Storytelling d’impresa. La nuova guida definitiva verso lo storymaking, Hoepli • Supplementary reading: Salmon, C. (2008). Storytelling: La fabbrica delle storie, Einaudi
Contents
1. Storytelling as a Strategic Lever Introduction to corporate storytelling Differences between traditional communication and business storytelling The power of stories to build trust and connection 2. Core Elements of Corporate Storytelling Narrative archetypes and universal storytelling Values, mission, and vision as pillars of the corporate narrative Identifying and maintaining a consistent tone of voice 3. Building a Narrative Brand Identity From visual identity to narrative identity The narrative arena: identifying authentic and relevant storytelling spaces Storyscaping: integrating storytelling with customer experience Practical workshop: designing an internal storytelling project 4. Emotional Design and Persuasive Storytelling How to create content that moves and engages Emotional triggers and the “narrative psychology” of the audience Applying storytelling techniques to different target audiences 5. Tools and Channels for Corporate Storytelling Storytelling in traditional media Digital storytelling: social media, blogs, and video content Podcasts and new narrative formats 6. Internal Storytelling: Engaging Employees Employee advocacy and the role of staff in corporate storytelling Creating corporate culture through shared stories Practical workshop: designing an internal storytelling campaign 7. External Storytelling: Engaging Stakeholders How to communicate with customers, investors, and local communities Stories that strengthen CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Case studies: examples of effective business storytelling 8. Pitfalls and Risks in Business Storytelling Recognizing and managing the risks of narrative inconsistency When storytelling fails: negative case studies Regaining trust after a narrative failure 9. Designing and Presenting a Corporate Narrative Structuring a complete narrative plan: goals, target, and message Practical project: from theory to implementation Final presentation: collective feedback and evaluation