The use of characters in custom training programs is often underrated. If you want employees to learn fast, you need to show them how it is done. Telling them is one thing. Allowing them to experience how it is done is another thing.
Storytelling is one of the most effective strategies that you can use in learning. It takes the learning one step further. For instance, if you use storytelling in teaching language, you are also teaching the learners literary skills.
Some people think that this particular learning strategy is only applicable to students. It does seem like something that you would use to keep them attentive to the lesson. However, storytelling is also important in custom training programs. This is not an exclusive strategy for kids. You can actually use it effectively in the workplace.
When it comes to storytelling, there is one important aspect that you need to focus on – the character. The plot, struggles, and the solution will all revolve around the character of the story. If you have a poor character that employees cannot relate to, you might find it hard to drive your point and teach the workers what they need to know.
There are several benefits to having well-constructed characters in custom training programs. Here are some of them.
Grabs the attention of learners
First of all, it keeps the training program from becoming too boring. Having characters and acting out on the plot of the story is something that will keep the attention of the learners. It is definitely preferable compared to reading a text. It is probably just as captivating as watching a video.
Easier to relate to
Another benefit is relatability. Learning happens more efficiently if the employees can relate to whatever is going on. Obviously, going through a custom training program is not the same as doing it in real life. However, if you put characters that the trainees can identify themselves with, it is easier for them to pretend. They get a better idea when it comes to making choices and solving problems. As the characters go through one problem at a time, the trainees can observe how the decisions are made and what strategies are used. This is easier to do when there is an actual character – instead of spoonfeeding them through a question and answer type of content delivery.
Makes the learning personal
Since relatability is high, you can assume that it makes the learning personal. At least, if the character is created well. If the employee is able to relate to the character, they can picture themselves in their shoes. As the developer of the custom training program, you can create characters that the trainees can identify with. If you are teaching young professionals, you need to create a character with the same qualities. If you are training a group of customer service representatives, you need to character to represent them. Making things personal will definitely increase the value of the course.
Holds an emotional appeal
Finally, the presence of the characters will help the employees connect to the lesson on an emotional level. After all, if they can relate to the character, they can picture themselves going through the same things. Since our memories are usually triggered by emotions, the emotional connection to the lesson will aid in increasing the retention rate.
As you can see, having a great character in a custom training program will help make it more effective. But you have to make sure that you will be careful in creating the character that you will include in the lesson.