what’s your story? · regardless of whether the story is intended to be a best-selling novel, a...

What’s Your Story?

Since the

beginning,

stories have

been used to

teach, share,

and inform.

3 Reasons Why Storytelling Works

Although there are several reasons why stories work well for learning, let’s focus on three primary ones.

1 2 3We’re hard-wired

to connect a story

with our own

experiences.

Stories help us find

the relevance of the

content.

Stories allow us to

take a break from

our own world and

step into another

one.

Create connections to

catch their attentionChange boring content into

an appealing narrative

Drive engagement, retention,

and behavior change

Tip 1:

Structure, Structure, Structure

Once Upon a Time…Regardless of whether the story is intended to be a best-selling novel, a cinematic thriller, or an immersive eLearning course, the structure of a strong story is all the same.

Step 1:

• The characters are the lifeblood of your story.

• They should be based on roles that ring “true” for the audience

• Make the audience care

Step 2:

• Based on real-life situations at the heart of the issue

• “Tell me about a time when…”

• Its all in the details

• Common misunderstandings and errors that cause the issue

Step 3

• Shows the cause and effect of the problem

• What happened?

• Why did it happen?

• Core message -actions have consequences

Step 4

• “What if…” types of decisions that allow for a different outcome

• The behavior change at the heart of the course

Step 5

• Reinforce the key messages – the moral of the story

• Leave it with an action item – what can the audience do?

Examples

Tip 2:

Begin with the End in Mind

1

2

3

A pre-determined destination

What does the learner need

to know, do, or feel when

they are done?

Starting with the end

ensures the narrative fits the

bigger picture

The End Determines the Journey

Examples

Tip 3:

Write A Realistic Script

What Do You Think?

“The best

success stories

often begin with

failure.”

Components of a Realistic Script

Genuine EmotionAuthentic Dialog Proper Tone

1 2 3

A Realistic Script Powers Your Course

Examples

Tip 4:

Over, Under, In and Out,

That’s What Narrative Writing

Is All About!

Weave the story

through the

beginning,

middle, and end.

Tighten up the

loose areas.

Double-knot the

complex scenarios.

Allow for

adjustments

along the way.

1

2

3

4

Effective Stories Are Like Running Shoes

Examples

Tip 5:

Incorporate Interactivity

Four Levels of eLearning Interactivity

Level 4:Full Immersion

Minimal interaction through self-paced delivery of information through functional activities such as drag-and-drop and click-to-reveal.

“Page-turner” passive interaction that is suited more for awareness rather than engagement.

Stories, videos, and scenarios that require learner to make decisions that impact the outcome of the course. Problem-solving and full immersion.

Basic scenarios and stories. A little more complex and geared toward an individual experience.

Examples

Tip 6:

K.I.S.S.

(Keep It Short and Simple)

K.I.S.S. to Prevent Cognitive Overload

1 2 3

Have a clear purpose and a

game plan when adding

complexity

It’s a balancing act between

succinct and cinematic thriller

Minimize distractions,

signpost, and recap to

prevent losing your learners

Examples

Questions?

?