Mastering Strategic Communication Bootcamp

Clear and compelling communication is essential for influencing decisions. Over two days, this in-person bootcamp brings together the power of storytelling with the practical skills of written and oral briefings. Participants will learn how to shape complex information into narratives that capture attention, translate those narratives into concise, decision-ready briefing notes, and deliver confident oral briefings that stand up under pressure. Through interactive exercises, real-world practice, and expert feedback, participants will leave equipped with tools they can immediately apply to their work—whether preparing a memo, framing advice for a management, or briefing senior leaders. This bootcamp is also a fast-track opportunity to complete two courses from the Policy and Governance Learning Certificate, helping participants advance more quickly toward their learning goals.

The Mastering Strategic Communication Bootcamp covers the following courses:

• Storytelling for Public Servants – Learn to use narrative structure to make complex issues clear, memorable, and actionable.

• Briefings on Demand: Part 1 – Written Briefs – Develop concise, decision-ready notes that align with senior leaders’ needs.

• Briefings on Demand: Part 2 – Oral Briefs – Build confidence delivering short, impactful oral briefings and handling tough questions.

(Click on each course title for detailed descriptions.)

Duration:

• 2-day, in-person course held at IOG’s offices in Ottawa’s ByWard Market from 9 am - 4 pm each day. A light breakfast, coffee and refreshments, and lunch are included.

Who should take this course

The Mastering Strategic Communication Bootcamp is designed for public servants and professionals who:

• Prepare or deliver written and oral briefings for management and senior officials in their organization.

• Need to communicate complex policy, program, or operational issues clearly and persuasively.

• Are transitioning into roles with greater responsibility for strategic advice and decision support.

• Want to strengthen their skills in storytelling, briefing notes, and oral delivery to increase their impact.

• Are pursuing the Policy and Governance Learning Certificate and wish to fast-track completion of two courses.

Step into this bootcamp and elevate your ability to inform, persuade, and influence with confidence!

Special Offers

Take advantage of these exclusive discounts available when registering for IOG courses:

• Group Course Discount: Register 3 or more colleagues together for the same course and receive 10% off your total registration fee.  
  Learning together builds team capacity—and helps you save on training costs. 

• Individual Bundle Discount: Register as an individual for 3 or more courses at the same time and save 10% on your total registration fee.
  Advance your professional development while maximizing value

John Stroud is a strategic adviser to leaders on linking people with technology. His vision opens people’s minds to new possibilities, and he challenges them to consider creative options. People turn to John for plainspoken, easy-to-understand explanations.

John is a certified OpenExO consultant in exponential technologies. Prior to launching AI Guides, John served as Vice President, Strategy at a federal crown corporation ($600M budget and 8000+ workforce) with responsibilities for Governance, Human Resources, Communications, Legal, Performance Measurement and Risk.

John obtained his Masters of Philosophy from Oxford, his law degree and Masters of Public Administration from the University of Victoria, and his BA from the University of Toronto. He also obtained his ICD.D for completing the Director’s Education Program at the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Catherine Waters is the Manager of the Learning Lab with the Institute on Governance. She has extensive experience as a consultant, researcher, and instructor/facilitator in the areas of public management, public policy, organizational development, and corporate governance. Catherine has a special interest in the areas of modernizing governance, citizen engagement and democratic participation, and Aboriginal governance. Catherine has co-authored articles in a number of policy journals. In the area of professional development and life-long learning, she developed and delivered distance learning for the Government of Nunavut and the Certified Management Accountants to expand access to training opportunities to a wider group of public servants. Catherine teaches in Carleton University’s MA program in Public Policy and Administration, on Public Management and Labour Relations & Collective Bargaining.

Catherine previously worked in London U.K. as a Senior HR Manager for British Telecommunications plc, focusing on international business development in the US and EU and labor relations. Particular areas of interest included the integration of international joint ventures, organizational change, and professional development and training. Catherine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and French literature (Honours) from the University of Victoria, a Masters in Public Policy and Administration from Carleton University and an MSc in Labour Economics (With Distinction) from the London School of Economics.

As an IOG instructor, Catherine has provided custom training for various ministries in the Government of Ontario, including the Ministry of Transportation, and board training for Ontario agencies, boards and commissions.