Instructional Designers In Offices Drinking Coffee

As instructional designers, we're often working on projects related to very specific processes.  We want to be clear, precise, and concise, in training that process.  However, there are many other situations where training is asked to influence behaviors and build better cultures.  This requires nuance, and creating training that impacts how the learners feel.  This is where dramatic storytelling has a powerful effect for learning.Gagné's 9 events of instruction puts "gaining learning attention" at the number one spot for a reason. If you can't get your learners to pay attention and to feel something on an emotional level you are not likely to persuade them let alone help change their behavior. Video is the perfect medium for providing that positive impact.However, if done poorly, it can have a negative effect.  It's not easy, but if you can learn some of the basics and practice with small projects and shorter videos you will begin to see positive results.Tom Hickmore creates award-winning dramatic instructio