Creating story-based policy walkthroughs

Creating story-based policy walkthroughs can be a powerful way to engage audiences and make complex information more accessible and relatable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to developing them:

1. Identify the Key Policy or Concept

Before diving into the story, determine the policy or concept you want to explain. Make sure it’s a subject that can be broken down into actionable or relatable components. Policies on things like employee benefits, cybersecurity procedures, or legal compliance often work well in story format.

2. Develop Characters

Create characters that will help illustrate the policy in action. These characters could be employees, customers, or even fictional entities, depending on the context. The idea is for the audience to connect with the characters, making it easier to follow along with their actions and decisions.

Example Characters:

• Sam: A new employee navigating onboarding.

• Jess: A manager who ensures the team follows compliance standards.

• Pat: A customer interacting with a service or product covered by the policy.

3. Set the Scene

Introduce the setting where the policy is relevant. This could be an office, a digital platform, or a customer service interaction. Make sure the environment reflects where the policy would realistically be applied.

For example, if you’re explaining a cybersecurity policy, the story could take place in a corporate setting where characters are navigating emails, online platforms, and internal communication tools.

4. Introduce the Problem

Have the characters encounter a challenge or dilemma that requires them to follow the policy. The problem should highlight why understanding the policy is essential for success and avoiding negative consequences.

Example:

• Sam, the new employee, opens a suspicious email that looks like a phishing attempt, and now he has to figure out the correct steps to report it, following the company’s cybersecurity policy.

5. Explain the Policy Through Action

As the characters navigate the problem, they should follow the policy’s steps in real-time. This makes the policy feel more like an organic part of the process, rather than a set of abstract rules.

The walkthrough should be clear and easy to follow, with the characters demonstrating the procedure and offering commentary or reflections on why it’s necessary.

For example:

• Sam, after noticing the suspicious email, follows the security policy by reporting it to the IT department, changing his password, and then attending a quick cybersecurity refresher training.

6. Highlight Benefits and Risks

Use the story to showcase the benefits of following the policy and the risks of not doing so. For example, show how following the correct procedure keeps data secure or avoids customer dissatisfaction.

Example:

• By reporting the phishing attempt, Sam helps prevent a potential data breach, ensuring the security of sensitive information and maintaining customer trust.

7. Provide a Resolution

End the story by resolving the initial issue. This not only helps reinforce the policy’s value but also offers a sense of closure for the audience. The characters should feel a sense of accomplishment from following the policy correctly.

Example:

• After Sam reports the issue and follows up with IT, the phishing attempt is contained, and the company’s cybersecurity is stronger. He feels more confident in handling such situations in the future.

8. Reinforce the Takeaways

Conclude the story with a brief summary of the key takeaways or actionable steps from the policy. You could also present it as a quick recap or checklist to reinforce understanding.

9. Make it Engaging

Throughout the story, ensure the tone is engaging and the content is relatable. Using dialogue, humor, and realistic scenarios helps the audience stay engaged while also absorbing the policy details.

10. Review and Iterate

After creating the story, review it to make sure it’s clear, accurate, and adheres to the policy guidelines. If necessary, iterate on the story based on feedback or new developments in the policy.

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This approach can be applied to a variety of industries and subjects, making policies less intimidating and more digestible. Whether you’re working on an employee manual, a website FAQ, or training materials, story-based policy walkthroughs can turn something dry into something engaging and memorable.