By Russ Cullingworth
October 2024
"I can't see how my material could translate into audio-only. I just can't see it!" This is a common response we've had when approaching expert instructors to create an audio course with us. It's only after we begin to rework and remaster their script that they begin to understand our vision - that there are many ways to teach a concept or principal than to just tell someone about it.
After 7 years of writing and creating engaging audio learning courses (yes, we do have evidence that our courses are enjoyable and engaging), I've come to realize that what we do, and how we do it, is not really that obvious or easy to understand - mostly because of pre-conceived notions that sound a bit like "it's audio, with no screen or video - how good can it be?" Another important thing we noticed in over 3,000 evaluations - the most common theme was "this was way better than I thought it would be" - that's a great compliment but what does it say about the perception of our product and other learners' willingness to make the decision to spend valuable money or time listening to it?
"Sitting still and watching the teacher" is not the only way to learn. The entire education system is built on this principal and we've been programmed since pre-school that this is the only way to learn. I strongly disagree!
We struggled a bit in the first few years to explain or help our expert instructors to get away from lecturing, and to find interesting and innovative ways to transfer knowledge. I think most people think of audio learning as a long lecture or a long podcast style interview - but we have so much more to offer. I've decided to share our StoryStyle™ process with the Learning and Development industry for a number of reasons:
To create a better understanding of what StoryStyle™ audio is and how it can increase engagement, learning retention and emotional connection with learners, as well as helping them to understand how to apply their learning in their day-to-day, real-world working lives. These are the ultimate return on investment (ROI) in professional learning and development.
To help L&D professionals to realize that "sitting still and watching the teacher" is not the only way to learn. The entire education system is built on this principal and we've been programmed since pre-school that this is the only way to learn. I strongly disagree! Well-written, well-acted and well-produced audio learning in a modular format offers a different way to learn while doing something else - with unmatched flexibility and convenience without losing focus, attention or understanding. Let's face it, audio learning really is the only #trulymobile learning option. You can't even really walk across a room while watching a screen, never mind maneuvering around busy city streets.
Lastly, I want L&D professionals to be able to create StoryStyle™ audio content themselves, so that it can become well understood and mainstream. If you ask AI or ChatGPT how to increase engagement and retention, you'll find a lot of these techniques in the answer. Hopefully this series will provide enough information for readers to get outside of their boundaries and explore new ways to create engaging content. I'm always available for questions. What's in it for me? If I can reduce the pain of slogging through a long, boring and uninspiring video or screen-based course for a few thousand professionals, then I can die a happy man :)
Ok this article is already is getting long and I haven't even started, so I won't go into details on the first part (scenarios) right now - but let me show you what I will cover in this series - each one an integral component of our process. I'll be writing an article on how we use each of these effectively. Please try to set aside your pre-conceived notions of how these techniques are used because, unless you've used them in course design before, I guarantee you it's not as simple as you think.
Scenarios (next article)
Stories and parables
Analogies
Street Interviews
Expert Interviews
Pop quizzes and trivia
Sound clips
Music
Quotes
If you're interested in this series, please follow or connect with me and share with your L&D network.
Finally, I also have a FREE GIVEAWAY to offer those who have read this far. We've created a FUTURE READY LEARNING SCORECARD which is an assessment of the future-readiness of your learning program. Answer 15 questions to receive your Scorecard Report (sample below).
This is a limited time offer so access your scorecard here: https://russell-rwra5qy.scoreapp.com Transforming professional learning with StoryStyle™ audio learning - scenarios and stories that ignite imagination. Lower cost, higher engagement and retention, increased enjoyment and flexibility. #TRULYMOBILE learning
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