Storytelling as a Superpower: Harper’s Bazaar Women of Influence
In August, Harper’s Bazaar hosted its Women of Influence event series at NIDA’s Parade Theatre. The event featured a panel discussion led by Nicole Abadee, with leading voices from the Australian arts scene and NIDA alumni: Suzie Miller, Heather Mitchell, and Sheridan Harbridge.
Their conversation explored the power of storytelling on stage, screen and beyond, and its ability to share perspectives, spark conversations and create meaningful change.
We were particularly struck by Suzie Miller’s story. With a career spanning science, law and the arts, Suzie demonstrates that storytelling is not confined to creative industries. Rather, it is a powerful professional skill that can be applied across disciplines to communicate complex ideas, influence audiences and make change.
After years of practicing human rights law, including work on sexual assault cases, Suzie drew on her expertise to write Prima Facie – an award-winning, international hit play, now adapted into a film and novel. Her decision to fully commit to dramatic writing was motivated by her passion to tell stories to more people and affect change at scale. The impact of Prima Facie has been felt by audiences around the world, transforming Suzie’s legal experience into a compelling human story, and reframing realities of the justice system for victims of sexual violence.
The play’s impact has extended far beyond the theatre. Just days after the London premiere, a judge contacted Suzie to explain how the play had motivated them to revise the directions given to juries in sexual assault trials across the UK, incorporating a deeper understanding of trauma and witness recollection as a result of Suzie’s storytelling.
The impact of this one story is a powerful reminder that effective communication can be more than a means of expression. It can be a catalyst for change. By understanding how to structure a message, connect with an audience and communicate with purpose, professionals across any industry can amplify the impact of their ideas.
As part of the event, NIDA Corporate Training tutor Anna Houston shared practical approaches to storytelling in the workplace. She highlighted how professionals can use narrative techniques to communicate with confidence, build connection and inspire action, and how to avoid undermining your own message with your delivery. By the end of the session everyone in the room was able to improve their storytelling delivery, and feel more confident in their communication skills.
At NIDA Corporate Training, we see everyday that storytelling is one of the most valuable skills a professional can develop. As Suzie Miller and Prima Facie demonstrates, the ability to tell the right story, in the right way, can powerfully influence how people feel, think, shape decisions and inspire meaningful action.
Find out more about NIDA Corporate Training’s courses: Storytelling for Professional Impact or Influential Women.
Photography by Julia Firak
