Stories can be used quite effectively for training. Often, training consists of a PowerPoint deck, a presenter that talks a lot or tons of handouts.  Engaging it is not.  But stories can bring content to life and stories are everywhere; you just need to look!

• Stories make the content relatable and easier to remember.
• Stories help the learner construct knew knowledge by taking current knowledge and applying in a new or different manner.
• Stories provide examples which helps when a learner needs to make a decision.
• Stories give the learner the ability to recall and use information when they are on the job and in their own context.

So how do you effectively use stories in training?  Start with throwing the learner into the action.  Or focus on something the learners care about right away.  Build opportunities for the learner to discover and give the learner the challenge of solving a problem.

Some tips:

• Start with discovery
• Focus on a central challenge
• Give learners resources to uncover answers
• Make the transformation obvious.

Think about the last training you went to.  Can you remember the discrete facts and figures shared?  Probably not.  But if you were lucky and the facilitator shared stories, I bet you can remember the story and possibly even have shared the story with someone else!  Stories are powerful in so many ways,  so the next time you are developing training, choose to center your content around stories and watch the magic happen.