Adult eLearning readers skim read passages of written dialogue.  So how can we simplify our writing so we can keep impatient readers captivated? FUZZY THINKING HIDES IN LONG SENTENCES AND PARAGRAPHS So, to avoid fuzzy writing try this practice: Compose relatively short sentences Write one-sentence paragraphs. It’s not easy . . . Each sentence should […]

I imagined that the doctor really enjoyed this. His face had lit up when he discovered the lump on my shoulder blade the previous week. “We’ll cut it out” he said. The days leading up to the surgery were stressful.  Was it cancer? The day came, I couldn’t see what they were doing, only imagined […]

Show and Tell The official advice in creative writing is to show don’t tell. However, in practice, we often show AND tell. Telling populates most training writing, filling it with factual statements that eventually cram up the learner’s brain. Showing means using sensory details and describing actions to direct a mental movie in your learner’s […]

When writers talk about creative writing, they only refer to fiction How weird! As if non-fiction like writing for learning can’t be creative . . . That’s crazy. Of course, writing for eLearning can be creative.  Any creative writing technique can be used to improve any kind of writing. Here are some thoughts to start […]

Some trainers think that when the classroom session or the on-line course is finished that the job is done.  That’s a bit like showing a person a picture of swimming techniques and explaining swimming styles and then throwing them in the water and walking away. People remain motivated when they are aware of their accomplishments.  […]

Judy:  You’re the one doing all these eLearning courses. Nick:  Only the ones I think I will like and learn something Judy:  What do you think makes a good or excellent eLearning experience? Nick:  I’m a bit competitive so I like to test myself against the learning fairly often Judy: You mean you seek frequent […]

Judy:  So, you like hard questions in your eLearning? Nick:  Yes, I like a challenge. Judy:  What if they’re so hard there’s no way you can answer them? Nick:  If they‘re that hard I’ll walk away. Judy: You’re a loser. Nick:  Not really but I can get bored quickly When we talk about the learner […]

Judy:  You were in a mood last week Nick:  Yes, but I found a course that I really enjoyed Judy: Not a company one. Nick:  No, it was a training company specialist in eLearning. Judy: What was different Nick:  They had interesting activities before, during and after the actual training Modlettes So, what is the […]

Judy:  Why are you in a mood today? Nick:  I’m frustrated Judy:  Why are you frustrated? Nick:  Because people keep asking me questions Judy:  Rubbish!  What’s the real reason Nick:  The boss wants me to take the quality course and I really want to do the conflict resolution one. Judy:  Be better if he let […]

 Nick :  Why does management tell us our pay grades could be affected by our performance in this new course? Judy:  I guess it’s their way of motivating us. Well:  Well it’s not motivating me. Judy:  Awe, come on.  You want to do well don’t you? Nick:  Yes, but not because of their threats. Motivation […]