Tab 5 of 8
TEST
Determine whether the story is a strong facilitation tool.
Is this the right story?
A true story is not automatically a useful learning story. Test it before you invest time rehearsing it.
The book identifies four important characteristics of stories used for learning: connection, change, relevance, and entertainment. The field guide adds one final implementation question: does it facilitate performance?
That fifth question is a field-use diagnostic, not an additional story characteristic.
1. Connection
Does the story:
Strengthen it by asking: Where can learners recognize themselves?
2. Change
Does the story:
Strengthen it by asking: What must learners see between the “before” and the “after”?
3. Relevance
Does the story:
Strengthen it by asking: Why this story, now, for these people?
4. Entertainment
Entertainment does not mean stand-up comedy. Ask whether the story contains:
Strengthen it by asking: What is already surprising or unexpected here? Do not add drama that did not occur. Shape what is already present.
5. Performance — field-guide check
Does the story give learners something they can:
Story rescue
TEST: field check
5 still unchecked.
Move to FACILITATE