How to use storytelling to turn your courses into epic adventures
Blog Post
29/07/2025
•
4 Min. Read
It's 11 a.m. on a Thursday and you're supposed to create a course by the end of the week. While you're thinking about whether you need a second cup of coffee, your colleague comes over to chat about the new episode of a fantasy show you both like.
As you ravel about dragons and epic quests, you realize that your course would be much more exciting for both you and the learners if it also told a story... But how exactly do you do that?
Here are four steps to great storytelling in your courses:
1. Who is your Narrator?
Many classic tales start with a trusted voice who sets the scene. In more modern adaptations, this would be a mentor who gives the hero perspective and guidance. For your course, think of someone your learner would like to listen to. Maybe it’s an expert, maybe a funny older coworker.
2. Introduce your Protagonist
Every story needs a main character — and in your course, that’s your learner. Who are they? What’s their role, experience level, and daily context? The more precisely you understand your learner’s world, the more relevant and motivating your content becomes. Whether they’re a new hire, a field technician, or a busy manager, let their perspective shape how you frame the journey ahead.
3. Raise the Stakes
In a good story, our hero also has to fight for something, such as their home or loved ones. Raising the stakes means getting your learner to care about the learning process.
For example, a compliance course seems more important when your learner can feel the potential ramifications of misconduct. Stakes can also be things that your learner desires, such as solving their problems faster or earning respect among their colleagues. The table below shows potential stakes in e-learning courses:
Stake Type | Risk of Loss | Potential Gain |
|---|---|---|
Safety | Getting hurt | Staying healthy and confident on the job |
Compliance | Breaking laws, getting fined | Showing responsibility and integrity |
Team dynamics | Losing trust, causing friction | Building a reliable, supportive team culture |
Efficiency | Wasting time, costly rework | Solving problems faster and smoother |
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4. Face the Final Boss
No great story ends without a challenge. The final boss in your course is the key obstacle your learner must overcome using what they've learned. It could be a tricky decision, a realistic case scenario, or a hands-on task that puts their skills to the test.
This moment gives your learner a sense of closure and achievement. Make the challenge meaningful, a little tough, and directly connected to their work reality. When they beat this “boss,” they don’t just complete a course — they level up.
5. Practical Tipps
Use recurring people and settings in your examples (check image providers for image collections).
Generate AI avatar videos to use an avatar as a course companion who checks in regularly.
Try to find examples and exercises that are close to real-life scenarios.
Construct an introduction that leads into the world and an outlook that says goodbye to the learner.
Look at you! Who knew your favorite evening pastime could actually help you design better e-learning courses? So next time you're lost in a fantasy series or a crime drama, take notes. Your learners will thank you for the plot twist. And with the Elephant App, turning those ideas into interactive, engaging learning experiences is easier than ever!
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