I'm Speaking at Devlearn 2021

I'm speaking at Devlearn on October 20 at 1:15 PM (PT). My session is titled ​The Science Behind Using Storytelling for eLearning.

Session description: We know that stories are effective tools for triggering emotions and empathy, which is why they’re often part of an eLearning design strategy. But have you wondered why stories work so well at influencing behavior? In our data-driven industry, designers may be looking for more facts to justify their use of stories in their designs. It’s time to learn more about the science of storytelling and how we can use that information to build more engaging eLearning.

In this session, you’ll explore the scientific, data-driven case for storytelling based on the most reliable data. Then, you’ll see three explanations about how storytelling influences the brain, like how hearing stories with specific characteristics causes our brains to release hormones that have the power to regulate emotional responses and pro-social behaviors, including trust. Next, you’ll review excerpts from an eLearning course and identify how it uses the science-supported storytelling techniques. Finally, we’ll discuss three recommendations for taking a science-supported approach to writing stories and scenarios for elearning.