DAYTON — In an era when professional credibility can be drowned out by constant digital noise, a new master class in downtown Dayton aims to help individuals cut through the clutter by refining one powerful tool: their own story.

“Story to Strategy™: Professional Narrative Master Class,” scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2026, will bring together executives, creatives and professionals for a two-hour, hands-on session focused on shaping authentic, strategic personal narratives. The class will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dayton Arcade, hosted by the Entrepreneurs Center.

Led by award-winning journalist and communications strategist Gery Deer, the workshop emphasizes clarity over self-promotion, guiding participants to better understand how their experiences translate into a credible and effective professional identity.

“In a world saturated with noise, credibility comes from clarity,” Deer said. “This isn’t about teaching people how to promote themselves louder—it’s about helping them define how they show up and why that matters to the people they serve.”

The session is designed as an interactive, immersive experience that draws on journalistic practices such as reporting and editing, as well as modern marketing strategies. Participants will work to identify the “through-line” in their professional journey, refine that narrative into a clear personal brand, and apply those insights to real-world decisions.

Organizers say the course is intentionally accessible, requiring no technical or artificial intelligence skills—just a willingness to engage and reflect. Attendees are encouraged to bring whatever tools they prefer for note-taking, from traditional pen and paper to laptops or tablets.

The $99 registration fee includes lunch, with a buy-one-get-one offer available to encourage collaboration and shared learning.

The February event marks the second installment in the 2026 Master Class Series presented by GLD Communications, a quarterly program aimed at equipping professionals with practical communication and branding tools. Additional sessions are planned for later in the year, including a “21st Century Public Relations Master Class” in August and a “Personal Brand Master Class” in October.

Deer, founder of GLD Communications, brings decades of experience in journalism, marketing and business development. Known for his “Deer in Headlines” newspaper column series, he has led workshops for chambers of commerce, professional associations and community organizations throughout the Midwest.

For attendees, the takeaway is intended to be immediate and actionable—not theoretical.

“A strong narrative can turn a brand into something more human, more relatable,” Deer said. “When people understand your story, they’re more likely to trust you—and that’s where real opportunity begins.”

Registration details and future class announcements are available through GLD Communications’ event listings.