What’s Your Story? · Regardless of whether the story is intended to be a best-selling novel, a...
Transcript of 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?
?