Story Lab
STORY LAB: THE STRATEGY OF STORYTELLING
Join PRSA Memphis on Tuesday, September 30, for an afternoon workshop on the power of strategic storytelling.
Facts alone rarely inspire action. People are moved by narratives that connect on both intellectual and emotional levels. For communications professionals, storytelling is not just a creative exercise — it’s a strategic tool. The right story can shape perception, build trust, inspire action, or position your organization or client as a leader in their field.
Spend an afternoon with PRSA Memphis to learn how to craft stories that both inform and influence. Through bookended workshops, we’ll explore how to uncover authentic stories within your organization, provide a framework to shape them for maximum impact, and adapt them across channels to reach your audiences. You’ll learn how to align every story with strategic goals, ensuring that your communications are compelling but also purposeful.
After the afternoon's workshops, join us for a casual discussion at nearby Soul Fish Cafe.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 30 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Youth Villages Operations Center, 3320 Brother Blvd. Memphis, TN
WHO: Jason Carlton, APR, marketing manager at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Donny Granger, founder and CEO of Creation Studios in Memphis
AGENDA
1 p.m.
Jason Carlton, APR, presents "Unlocking the Magic of Storytelling"
Strategic storytelling is among the most powerful tools, transcending mere whimsy or magic. It involves a structured approach and consideration of different communication channels to effectively reach and engage your audience. However, the challenge lies in crafting a narrative that resonates with them. Our journey explores the intricacies of storytelling, including using human emotions, motivations, and psychology to break through. Through this exploration, you’ll learn to craft messages that evoke genuine responses and actions. Learn to better understand the art of strategic storytelling, where the integration of creativity and strategy transforms narratives that leave lasting impressions.
2:45 p.m. BREAK
3 p.m.
Donny Granger presents "Building a 'Story-First' Framework"
Most people tune you out because your message doesn’t punch through their veil. If your pitch doesn’t provoke personal curiosity or emotion, it’s just another blur in their feed. But there’s a framework that can change all of that. You may have a powerful mission or a brilliant business, but if your audience doesn’t understand it instantly, you’ve already lost them. Using our proven "story-first" framework, this workshop is designed to help you craft a short, punchy, emotionally engaging elevator pitch. We’ll do interactive, live messaging and creative concept development in real time. Whether or not your business or mission gets spotlighted in the room, you’ll walk away with invaluable insight and a clear, customizable template you can use for future creative sessions. Then, we’ll turn powerful messaging into compelling video and content ideas — everything from social posts to vision films. This isn't theory. It’s hands-on transformation for how you talk about what you do, and why it matters.
5:30 p.m. The Debrief
Join us for networking and engaging discussion at nearby Soul Fish Cafe, 8413 Hwy 64.
Interested in sponsoring this year's Workshop25? Contact [email protected].
Speakers
Jason Carlton, APR
Jason oversees strategic marketing for cardiology and organ transplants at Intermountain Health. Previously, Jason managed social media channels for seven hospitals, served as a PIO, coordinated internal communications, and other duties as assigned. He worked as director of account services for a Utah-based PR agency while earning a Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Utah. He earned his Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) in 2010 and has volunteered on the PRSA Utah chapter board for the past 14 years, serving as chapter president in 2017. In 2023, he served as chair of the PRSA Health Academy section. Jason is married, has five kids, speaks French, loves to travel, and is writing a historical fiction novel about his grandfather’s WWII experiences.
Donny Granger
Donny Granger is the founder of Creation Studios. He is a branding and messaging expert who helps organizations turn clear stories into measurable growth. With 25 years of experience helping people and companies like International Paper, AutoZone, and Amazon tell stories that move people, Donny knows what it takes to build a brand people actually care about. Beyond photography and consulting, Donny teaches the art and science of storytelling at the collegiate level in Story & Cinema. A certified StoryBrand Guide, he coaches creative leaders to sharpen their positioning, simplify their message, and design customer journeys that convert.
