Plot Twist: Rhetoric Techniques from Compelling Storytellers

Persuasion is unavoidable in planning. Whether they are advancing zoning reforms, securing site-plan approvals, or guiding long-range visioning, planners must convince communities, stakeholders, and decision-makers to see possibilities and be receptive to change. This interactive presentation blends timeless lessons in storytelling with practical demonstrations of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can serve as an ethical partner in communication.

Learn to identify the essential elements of compelling stories, translate technical concepts into plain language, and apply narrative strategies that resonate across diverse audiences. Using cultural case studies from the last 100 years, see how structuring stories can foster trust, address conflict, and pursue shared interests.

Presenters introduce accessible AI tools that can help planners brainstorm, refine, and test persuasive narratives while upholding the AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, thereby ensuring communication remains truthful, inclusive, and in the public interest.

Leave with practical techniques to strengthen your ability to communicate clearly, address challenges confidently, and guide communities through complex decisions. The result is a sharper skill set that not only advances projects but also supports equitable, inclusive, and enduring planning outcomes.
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