Narration: The how, when and why.

In a previous post, I covered the use of narration specifically in the context of learning vocabulary. In my experience, the use of narration in e-learning can be an incredibly powerful tool in improving learning outcomes. Not just for learning vocabulary, but also for the potential to enrich and enliven an online learning program where narration can round out learning content, develop context, and can add character to a program making it more memorable. 

It’s important to be thoughtful about employing the use of narration in e-learning – ensuring that the narration becomes an integral part of the learning experience without tipping the balance towards a distraction. While every e-learning program should have the capability to have audio turned off, I try to focus on the aspects that will make someone want to keep it turned on. It’s not easy. Finding the perfect balance between “just right” and “too much” can be challenging. 

What do you need the narration to do for your learners?

In debating whether or not to include narration, consider first your instructional strategies, learning goals and objectives. For example, are there requirements (such as learning new vocabulary), which can be substantially supported by employing narration? Once you’ve made the decision to include narration, then you can focus on the specifics of how it will be used. This in turn drives script writing requirements – including stylistic issues – and character of voice. 

Here are some examples of how I might use narration:

Orientation. Using narration to give learners a “lay of the land” helps prepare them for what’s to come. Narration can touch on topics covered in a program, introduce the ordering of content and establish a timeframe. This helps create a level of comfort for the learner – allowing them to play a more active role in deciding how they’ll manage their learning. 

Direction. For screen instruction and directions, I take a very light-handed approach to using narration. If a screen offers a unique opportunity for interaction - particularly multi-step interactions – I’ll assist with narration. General navigation instruction (if needed) is handled separately and may or may not include narration. 

Perspective and Depth. I’ve occasionally had the opportunity to insert expert commentary into an e-learning module and I’ve found that there are several benefits. One is that it adds another voice and dimension to the learning content. It can both pique the learners’ interest and reinforce concepts by presenting a slightly different perspective. Expert commentary can also add credibility to the learning material and learners tend to listen to this kind of narration differently – focusing on details and meaning.

Vocabulary. In case you missed the other post on learning vocabulary and narration, I make heavy use of narration to introduce and strengthen the assimilation of new vocabulary terms. I’ve worked heavily in the life sciences and learning a new set of terms is (almost) a given. Narration is a great way to help a learner to nail pronunciation (key to credibility) and develop context. 

Context: Narration can act like a link to help stitch concepts together, make connections, and establish context. This often goes hand-in-hand with vocabulary learning but context can become the vehicle for covering vocabulary learning. 

Narration is another currency of storytelling. It’s an opportunity to engage the learner and create a richer learning experience. 

Pointers?

Forget Screen Reading: Unless there’s a specific and critical need (accessibility), we never use narration to simply read screen text. (If that doesn’t annoy you, there’s something wrong). Some would argue that narration that differs from screen text is a distraction; however, in our experience, having narration that doesn’t mirror what’s on the screen creates a cognitive dissonance that helps to focus the learners’ attention. 

Digital voice for the win. At one time, studio voice talent was the only option—expensive and often delayed by retakes. In contrast, digital audio is now high quality, affordable, and available 24/7. While coaching style and pronunciation still requires skill, digital narration streamlines development overall. 

The helping hand of AI. Script writing hasn't changed drastically, except that I now rely on AI to flag ambiguous or overly wordy areas, and I use shorter sentences with deliberate breaks to manage cognitive load. That said, I can see AI playing a starring role on this front in the future.

Pull a proof. Scratch track is a great way to test out the use of narration in a program – letting you dial in on length and tone as well as content. Plus, it allows your clients to get a better feel for how narration will be employed. (Better than waiting until AFTER you’ve recorded, edited and sweetened 400 audio files – right?)

Back to my first point – the best way to assess the use of narration begins with a clear targeting of learning objectives and instructional strategies. Once those are clearly established, decisions about narration become more focused and fruitful.