Dear Esteemed Colleagues and Champions of Learning,
Unless you have been on a desert island, you have probably noticed a phenomenon that sweeps across the world with the release of a Taylor Swift album. We witnessed it again last month. If you look closely, you can find a masterclass in audience captivation that is applicable to our training initiatives. Let’s take a page from Taylor’s playbook and see how these strategies can be adapted to elevate our learning designs.
Master the Art of Storytelling
Taylor Swift isn’t just a singer. She is a storyteller whose songs resonate on a personal level. We aren’t songwriters in L&D, but we should be storytellers. The power of story helps us transform abstract ideas into relatable concepts, making learning both engaging and memorable. Mastering the art of storytelling helps us captivate our audiences and helps them connect deeply to the material.
Build Anticipation and Keep Them Guessing
Just as Ms. Swift creates buzz and excitement leading up to any new album release, we can generate anticipation for our learning experiences. How can we think outside the box to transform our usual communications into something that leaves our audience curious, excited, and guessing what may be in store? Imagine how sending teaser emails or using gamified elements that hint at the content of upcoming sessions can grab our learner’s attention early on.
Make It Interactive
Taylor has been known to invite listeners to surprise launch parties. Audiences at her shows say they feel seen and heard. Engagement levels soar when participants are active contributors to their learning journey too. Let’s step up our learning design to widen the concept of engagement from the typical learning checks and breakout discussions. How can we create novel interactivity that piques the interest of our learners and keeps them involved in ways that matter and help them feel seen and understood?
Diversify Your Channels
Swift doesn’t just launch an album; she creates a multi-platform experience. Similarly, we should diversify the delivery of our training to offer diverse opportunities to absorb, listen to, interact with, and integrate information. Whether it’s through live webinars, interactive eLearning modules, hands-on workshops, or drip-learning campaigns, utilizing a variety of channels will help us effectively reach and engage every member of our audience.
Create Personal Connections
Swift’s authenticity and openness is seen as the thing that endears her to millions globally. As we develop training programs, we need to ensure that opportunities exist for facilitators and students both to have opportunities to make their own personal connections with the concepts being taught. This can be done through something as simple as a reflection exercise, role-playing activities, or group discussions. This openness encourages dialogue and builds a culture where vulnerability is recognized as a pathway to growth.
Keep the Momentum Going
Taylor keeps her audience engaged long after an album is released, a strategy we should emulate. Following up with our learners through newsletters, email, quick refresh sessions, and invitations to discuss the application of new skills can reinforce learning and keep the material relevant.
Let’s work to create learning experiences that not only resonate but also transform and endure.
Sincerely,
The Chairman of the TTPD- the Training, Transformation, and Progress Department