The sun is setting on the era of audio-driven learning, but that doesn’t have to mean a ban on audio. Audio can still add value in specific elements of a design strategy. Let us show you.
We’ve all experienced it before—the training that’s narrated from top to bottom, locked down, tied up, lecture-style. Did you listen to every word? Did you read ahead or try to skip? Did you want to shake your monitor to speed things up? For something that was a huge part of the training industry for so long, audio has become something that when used now, makes training feel dated, slow, and heavy. However, audio can still be super effective and add a surprisingly effective element when used strategically.
Need convincing? Here are three ways that strategic audio can add the wow-factor to your training:
1. DEMONSTRATE TONE AND SOFT SKILLS
Need to show how to say something a specific way, where nuances of tone may be lost in plain text? Audio to the rescue. Record both correct and incorrect demonstrations of certain soft skills to model the ideal behavior for your learner in a very real way. Always make sure it sounds authentic!
2. CONVERSATION DEMONSTRATIONS AND SIMULATIONS
Related to soft skills building, use audio to demonstrate a conversation, create compelling quizzes and knowledge checks without blowing your budget on video, and set up case studies or illustrations. Get creative—can you have your learner listen to a conversation, listen to potential responses, and select the correct audio option? With careful design, audio can go a long way to bring context and realism to your learner.
3. HEAR IT FROM AN EXPERT
Sometimes your learners want to hear an explanation or anecdote from an expert or a peer. When a video interview isn’t possible, have them record a snippet, or give you a quote and have a voice actor read it. This can add credibility as well as variety to your training experience!
We love audio that’s a choice, not a requirement. Not sure how audio fits with your training strategy? Let us be the voice of reason…
