Strategic storytelling in
learning
Constructing engaging stories to educate
and inspire
Souraya Khoury
Who are we?
A leading workplace learning company that helps businesses improve
their performance through learning and technology.
Part of a powerful group with strong heritage and a proud history
Over 200 experienced staff, in 8 countries supporting over 200 blue chip clients.
Lead with learning We live to Innovation & We love Experienced Looking forward
& performance serve creativity to share & trusted team to the future
2
What we do
2th
LMS & Learning Elearning & Blended
Portals online learning Programmes
Consultancy & Qualifications Marketing & Learning
Training and Awareness Insights
Accreditations
Services
3
Your Presenter
• Souraya heads up the Australian Learning
Division of Kineo Pacific.
• As a learning solutions manager, she consults
with clients to drive a deeper analysis of their
requirements and devise the most effective
approach for their needs.
• She also works closely with the Kineo team to
translate the client's shared vison into an
innovative and creative end product.
• With a post graduate degree in Psychology,
Souraya has worked within L&D for over 15
years. She has experience in all aspects of
design, development and delivery as well as
strategic consulting for digital, face-to-face and
blended programs across a wide range of
industries.
AGENDA
1. About you (3mins)
2. Why is storytelling so effective? (10
mins)
3. Key elements of a good story (10
mins)
4. Frequently asked questions (10 mins)
5. Questions (5 mins)
5
About you
6
Do you currently use
storytelling in your
learning?
Let us know by selecting the yes or no on your
screen.
For those who don’t use storytelling yet,
select from the options below to indicate
why?
Let us know by selecting the most applicable option from the following:
1. I’m not sure when to use it.
2. I’m not sure how to construct a story.
3. I’m not convinced of it’s effectiveness.
4. I just haven’t had the opportunity yet.
5. Other.
Google trends data showing regional interest
in digital storytelling
Why is
storytelling
so
effective?
10
Our brain processes stories differently than
other messages
Insula and
Broca and many other
Wernicke’s areas process
areas process meaning and
language link to existing
knowledge
An example:
Character-based stories used to help Medibank’s customer-facing
employees understand a new range of products.
Awarded best training video at LearnX 2014
To view the videos
– Access the videos through the link provided in the chat window
– Enter the password ‘Storytelling’ (with a capital S)
– You only need to watch the first 10-20 seconds of each video
– Raise your hand once you’ve watched the video
– I will recommence in two minutes or once everyone has raised their
hands.
We’re
instinctively
wired to tell and
listen to stories
Stories disarm us
An example:
A promotional video aiming to raise awareness and interest in an
upcoming training program for a largely resistant audience.
– Access the video through the link provided in the chat window
– Enter the password ‘Storytelling’ (with a capital S)
– Raise your hand once you’ve watched the video.
– The video is 2 minutes long, so I will recommence in two minutes or
once everyone has raised their hands.
Select yes or no to indicate
whether you’ve used stories as
a change management tool
before.
Questions
or
comments
so far ?
19
Four key
elements
of a story
© City & Guilds Kineo. All rights reserved 20
Where do I find these stories?
Where do I find these stories?
Four essential elements for a great story
Character
Described in sensory
detail
Conflict
No conflict=No
curiosity=No interest
Action/resolution
The process/ wisdom/ idea
that allows the character to
overcome the conflict
Key takeaway
The message you want your
learners to retain
Which of these elements do you think is
most often neglected or left out of stories?
Let us know by selecting the most applicable option from the following:
1. Character description
2. Conflict
3. Action
4. Key takeaway
How confident do you feel about
constructing a story using the four
elements?
Let us know by selecting the most applicable option from the following:
1. Very confident
2. Reasonably confident
3. I need to practise to build up my confidence
4. I’m still very unsure
Questions or
comments
so far
© City & Guilds Kineo. All rights reserved 28
FAQ’s
© City & Guilds Kineo. All rights reserved 29
Q: Can the learner be in the story or does it have to be about
someone else?
A: Putting the learning at the heart of the story is a great way to draw them in
Q: Do I have to use all the elements of a story every time?
A: No, if you want a more subtle approach incorporate a narrative without
minimal focus on characters or visa versa.
Q: Does a story need audio or video to be successful?
A: No, you can style your story like a newspaper article, comic book, or use
captions
Q: How many stories should I use?
A: You could have a story just at the start, or one for each major learning
objective
Q: Where do I find these stories?
A: Everywhere! But especially based on personal or expert experience
Final
questions or
comments
© City & Guilds Kineo. All rights reserved
More Questions? Please Keep in Touch:
• Showcase Access (AU) Zack Harvey - zack.harvey@kineo.com.au
(NZ) Nolen Smith - nolen.smith@kineo.co.nz
• LinkedIn eLearning Professionals Group
Kineo Pacific Company Page
City & Guilds Kineo Company Page
• Twitter @kineopacific
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