Running your company’s learning programme? You probably need a lot of learning content. Churning out high-quality content is no easy task. And, when you need to do it continuously, the pressure can be off-the-chart. How do you keep up? How can you keep up?
Limited resources and a small team size are likely to be some of a learning manager’s biggest pain points. Understandably, you want to focus on the big picture. You don’t want the nitty-gritty to bog down your vision to bring out the best in each and every employee.
Global Head of Content Deborah Tan-Pink is passionate about creating quality learning content – even when it’s for demo purposes. On a daily basis, she handles learning content for a number of platforms, not just SmartUp’s. So, what are her secrets to a high output without compromising on her exacting editorial standards?
1. Keep things plain and simple
“Whenever I’m working on converting a client’s learning content, I read the material to understand it properly. Then I pick out bits that are complicated or sections that are using too much jargon, and I rework the copy using plain, simple English.
Learning should never be intimidating. If you can explain complicated ideas simply, your learners will definitely appreciate that.”
2. Pretend you’re presenting a lecture
“Think back to your university days. When you were in a lecture, did your professor stop frequently to quiz the class? Considered pauses punctuated by a quiz or a poll have the effect of reinforcing important points, helping people remember them better.
Interactive learning platforms that allow you to insert a quiz or a poll can add that layer of engagement to your content. Compare this to just reading a PDF document with no breaks, this is so much more effective in improving your learner’s ability to retain information.”
3. Better yet, pretend you’re giving a TED Talk
“TED Talks are always so engaging because the speakers often lead with a story. Personal anecdotes and scenarios help make concepts and ideas more relatable. For example, when we write about insurance, the SmartUp content team would create scenarios and test the reader on the appropriate actions to take. This way, the reader is able to apply his/her knowledge of the concept in a real-life situation, if it ever occurs.”
4. Use visual aids
“Infographics, charts, and videos are perfect for holding a person’s attention and making sure he/she commits the information to memory. You don’t have to be professionally trained as a graphic designer to produce effective infographics. With tools like Piktochart and Canva, you can create your own infographics easily and cheaply. Practice makes perfect so I wouldn’t worry if your first few pieces don’t look professionally designed. Just keep practising and don’t give up.”
At SmartUp, we have an in-house team of highly trained content producers whose job is to help our customers meet the constant demand for fresh, quality corporate learning content. Whether it’s converting your traditional PDFs and Powerpoint decks into engaging microlearning or shipping ready-made content on tech, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation to your platform, we can support you in your quest to make learning fun and addictive for your employees.
For starters, why not take this fun quiz on discovering your learning style here:
