A good story can make or break a presentation, article, or conversation. In today’s noisy world, storytelling is the best way to get your message across or help anyone in need of publicity – whether for a corporate organisation or an NGO working for the benefit of people.

Indhran Marnickavsagar, CEO of digital media and communications company Sunshine Group, thinks people can do better through storytelling in communicating their messages in this digital age.

On Nov 25, Indhran, along with keynote speaker, journalist, university lecturer and media coach M Krishnamoorthy, will take Campuskini participants on a journey of discovery through storytelling in news and feature writing at the one-day workshop titled “What’s Your Story?”

This Malaysiakini CSR programme will only cost RM 280 per person, and is Human Resource Development Fund claimable.

Past participants have praised these workshops, organised by Krishnamoorthy together with Campuskini, calling it "unorthodox, unique, and enlightening.”

If you have something important to communicate and want to get it across effectively, this is the writing workshop you should attend, said Krishnamoorthy.

“It is inexpensive, affordable and chock-full of value. Workshop participants will practically learn how to news angle a story while editors demonstrate story development on screen, in real time.

“You will be enlightened on how to write effective news stories, and will get a chance to improve your press releases by them and editors.”

Indhran (photo) has worked at the HSBC Group, where he rolled out global brand driven initiatives for 33,000 employees impacting 80 million customers worldwide.

His efforts contributed to HSBC’s spectacular leap ahead of Nike and Apple on The 2008 Interbrand Best Global Brands list.

He is passionate about growth and has helped gain visibility, generate leads and grow exponentially, doubling, tripling and even 10 times more annual revenues for his clients over the years.

Prior to that, Indhran served as assistant vice president of the bank, where he line-managed a team of 200 staff for HSBC UK Banking Operations.

Indhran, who has worked in London, Copenhagen, and Brisbane for over 10 years, developed storytelling into a fine art after graduating from UK's Chartered Institute of Marketing in 1995.

“Storytelling can be used in getting prospective customers to purchase goods and services, donors to donate organs or blood, to save lives or even unify the nation.

“The art of storytelling is not only for writers and authors. Everyone, from voluntary NGOs to corporates, can practice the art of storytelling to the benefit society and their companies.

“The real challenge today is how you use stories to connect with your audience in a meaningful and authentic way,” he said.

Both the speakers will make writing easy in the simple style of “write as you speak.”

“Any professional in communications can start by mapping out a journey of discovery that will take your audience from where they are to where they want to be.

“This digital journey may traverse a variety of social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, blogs and online news portals.

“Right person, right story, right time. Relevance is key,” Indhran added.

Krishnamoorthy said participants would get to experience writing press releases that are newsworthy and understand how to write for your target audience.

They will get to deliver a sharp story angle that will interest the public.

“Reconnect and win customers in today’s disrupted world. Learn simple tips on how to gain a competitive edge and tell your story for successful growth,” Krishnamoorthy added.

A complimentary book, "Flying through Crisis: MH370 Lessons in Crisis Communications," valued at RM45, willl be given to all participants. The 160-page book provides tips on effective writing and how to face the media in a crisis.