Straight forward facts vs. storytelling – which is the better tactic?

Not all e-learning is the same. Not all content is the same. Therefore, it is obvious that every topic needs a certain way of presentation to properly come into its own and reach learners. Digital learning media are an integral part of corporate learning and should be handled well accordingly.

The question now is: In what way do I reach learners in such a way that their self-motivation is addressed and they enjoy learning digitally successfully? There are different approaches that could not be more opposite: storytelling and straight forward facts.

Storytelling-based approaches use a narrative structure to convey information. This type of e-learning focuses on using stories, scenarios, and case studies to emotionally connect with learners and facilitate learning.

A straight forward facts presentation, on the other hand, focuses on presenting information and data in a clear and concise manner, without the use of stories or narrative elements.

Luisa Wiesemeyer, an editor at mybreev and responsible for creating e-learning content across a wide range of topics, shares her take on the Gretchen question in this interview.

Luisa Wiesemeyer: There is no universal answer to this question, as the decision depends on various factors, such as the target group of the e-learning, the learning objectives, the type of knowledge to be conveyed, etc.

In my experience, examples of topics that lend themselves to the storytelling technique are complex and abstract concepts that need to be presented in a comprehensible way, soft skills, or social issues. Promoting skills such as critical thinking and problem solving can also be taught well with storytelling.

Straight forward facts is my preference for information such as facts, figures and data when a clear, factual presentation is desired. This type of presentation is particularly suitable for technical or scientific topics where complex information needs to be conveyed in an understandable way.

Luisa Wiesemeyer: In my opinion, there is no specific thematic limit for the use of storytelling or straight forward facts. Here it depends on the consideration of the individual case.

However, in some cases it can be difficult to apply one or the other technique. For example, it can be difficult to develop a storyline for medical or legal topics because these topics are often very factual and complex. In addition, these topics often require facts and information to be conveyed accurately and precisely, so a narrative or storyline is unnecessary and would only distract learners from the actual facts. In addition, medical or legal topics can also be very sensitive and it can be difficult to develop a narrative that is appropriate, respectful, and equally inclusive of all people. In my experience, therefore, medical, legal, technical, or scientific facts should be presented in a more factual manner. By using two or three application-specific case studies when developing such factual topics, I can still establish a practical connection.

Luisa Wiesemeyer: The decision depends on various factors. In addition to the points already mentioned above, target group, learning objectives and type of knowledge to be imparted, the availability of resources etc. and, in the case of studio productions, customer-specific requirements must also be taken into account. In any case, these factors should always be considered in conjunction with each other.

Luisa Wiesemeyer: I'd be happy to do that. Let's start with the target group. Let's assume, for example, that the target group consists of children. Then a playful presentation or animation can be chosen as an approach to increase their attention and make learning more entertaining. For example, if the target audience consists of experienced professionals in a certain department, I think a factual presentation with case studies or real-life application examples is more suitable as an approach to enhance their professional knowledge and skills and prepare them for the requirements of their profession. For professional beginners and newcomers in a particular field of knowledge, the following are suitable

Luisa Wiesemeyer: Yes, exactly. If the knowledge is abstract or complex, such as when teaching psychological or scientific concepts, storytelling can help make the information more accessible and understandable and raise awareness of the topic in question.

However, when it comes to practical and process-oriented skills, such as operating a specific production machine, implementing a departmental process, or medical or legal topics, a factual presentation, perhaps with step-by-step instructions, is more appropriate. In the case of such content to be conveyed, we at mybreev work with charts and diagrams to present the content visually and make it comprehensible.

In any case, a careful analysis of the target group and the learning objectives is crucial in order to select the appropriate approach.

Luisa Wiesemeyer: For our library production, the factors that can influence the decision include the target group, the learning objectives, the topic, and the available resources, i.e. time and money (-budget).

In addition, for projects we work on for clients, the decision depends on the company's preferred medium (e.g., video-based modules, interactive modules, simulations). In addition, the values of the company in question may also play a role.

Luisa Wiesemeyer: Yes, customer feedback is an important component for planning further e-learning modules. It can help make improvements and increase learner satisfaction. Regularly reviewing and updating our e-learning modules is an important part of the whole process.

Luisa Wiesemeyer: Science and theories can play an important role in deciding on a particular type of narrative, as they can offer insights into how people learn best and which approaches are most effective. With my team colleague Laura Lis, who recently successfully completed her Master's in Educational Media, I am in close communication with each new production to bring her scientific expertise into the project as early as possible.  

Dear Luisa, thank you for the extensive and detailed insights into the world of digital learning media production.

In summary, using stories in e-learning can be an effective way to engage learners and make the material more memorable. Presenting information in a narrative format allows learners to connect with the material on a personal level, making it more likely that they will retain the information and be able to apply it in real-world situations.

However, it is important to note that not all e-learning content needs to be presented in a narrative format. In some cases, sober facts and information are more appropriate, especially for topics that are highly technical or require a more analytical approach. Ultimately, it comes down to understanding the needs of the learners and choosing the best format for the content that the commissioners want to present. Whether the decision is pro storytelling or a more straightforward approach, the most important thing is that your e-learning content is clear, concise and effective in helping learners achieve their goals. At mybreev, we are your experienced and competent partners here