Defined simply, storytelling is literally the act of telling a story for communication purposes. This technique finds applications in various subfields of communication, including training, of course. In this field, this instructional design technique allows learners to project themselves into a context where knowledge is applied, and to introduce elements capable of building engagement and facilitating knowledge transfer.
In short, the design technique involves creating a context in which the learner will engage in order to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills, developing characters who embody various organizational roles and whose personalities can help foster engagement and motivation, and crafting a narrative that aligns with the stages of the skill-acquisition process.
For example, to teach behaviors to follow in IT security, one could imagine an office context where the learner interacts with a clumsy colleague who causes unfortunate situations that the learner must correct. Events will be sequenced to introduce moments of awareness and discovery. At first, we can imagine a failure to follow procedure that could lead to a data leak, caused by the colleague's negligence and noticed by the boss. This event is used to have an expert colleague introduce a few key concepts regarding confidentiality. A subsequent series of service requests could be used to test behaviors, provide helpful feedback, and introduce certain new concepts. Finally, a final challenge could consist of carrying out a project in which the learner must perform several operations while respecting security procedures.
Why Storytelling?
1. Allows learners to project themselves into an application context
In terms of skills development, it is necessary to provide a context for applying knowledge and skills, which a good narrative arc is perfectly able to provide.
2. Increases retention
The context, characters, and narrative development not only provide a framework for the learning objectives, but also carry an emotional weight that can motivate the learner.
3. Creates buy-in through contextualization
Evoking credible, motivating contexts that embody the company culture is highly likely to create buy-in from the learner.
4. Allows emotion to be used as a driving force for learning
By putting learners in a position to help a colleague, solve a potentially problematic situation, or better embody the organization's values, for example, you engage your learners and involve them emotionally in the learning process.
5. Is not particularly more expensive to produce than regular e-learning
Plan for a budget increased by 20% compared to a regular training course to ensure the production of backgrounds, characters, and a little extra time for the narrative arc.
6. Applies well to many training topics
Whether it is compliance, job-specific learning, or leadership, the examples of applications are numerous.
7. Enjoyable for instructional designers and clients
It is truly pleasant to add a storytelling component to the design, and it is motivating to work on it as a team. Moreover, it makes it easier for subject matter experts to come up with examples and situations.
8. Brings company culture to life
The chosen context, characters, and narrative arc can prove to be useful tools for reinforcing company culture.
9. A proven method
The results are convincing, whether in the fields of communication, marketing, or training.
In conclusion, storytelling allows you to easily transform your training courses by making them more effective and motivating. To try it is to adopt it. Give it a chance; you might be pleasantly surprised by the result.