A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO CRAFTING AND DECONSTRUCTING NARRATIVES IN THE REAL WORLD

What’s the Story behind every Story?

From global conflicts to brand slogans, narratives shape the way we see the world. In international politics, the right story can justify wars, build alliances, or even redefine national identities. In marketing and media, a single line can make or break public perception. But what makes a narrative powerful and how can you master the art of crafting one?

In light of multiple narratives and counter-narratives in today’s world, the ability to break down and analyse their core elements has become an essential skill for those seeking to understand and apply the art of storytelling and narrative building in their respective fields.

The workshop, on (de)constructing narratives, by ORCA’s Senior Research Associate Mr. Ratish Mehta, will guide participants on the arts and sciences of narratives and storytelling with practical application. It will inform attendees on how narratives are crafted, as well as enable them to deconstruct a specific narrative in order to decipher its larger intent, objective as well as the method through which it is deployed. Over the course of four hours, participants will gain insights into the mechanics of storytelling as a tool of influence and examine texts as well as audio-visual references to decipher intentions and assess its framing. By examining real-world examples and engaging in hands-on exercises, attendees will learn to decode the layered objectives of narratives and sharpen their ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences.

The workshop will also include interactive simulations in which participants will assume the roles of key stakeholders in a conflict. These exercises will challenge them to craft compelling narratives while deconstructing opposing viewpoints, providing immersive, real-world practice in both narrative construction and critical analysis. This experience will equip participants with practical skills that transcend the boundaries of any single discipline.

The workshop will explore: -

📌 How narratives are built – and why they are powerful.

📌 Who controls the story – and how different stakeholders frame the same event.

📌 How to deconstruct a narrative – separating truth from spin.

📌 Writing narratives in one line – from newspaper headlines to diplomatic statements.

📌 A high-stakes simulation – where you craft real-time narratives in an international crisis.

Whether you're in policy, journalism, business, or academia, you will leave with a sharper eye for narratives, stronger messaging skills, and a powerful new way of understanding the world. No prior knowledge of creative writing is required, only a curiosity to explore the stories that drive our world.