How to add Pixar-worthy storytelling to the dullest topic
To be honest, some training topics don’t scream Rivet’s story. Compliance updates, HIPAA regulations, or corporate policies rarely stimulate the victory and transformation of epic stories. But it’s here. It’s not just about the great learning experience design, it’s not just about the content itself. It’s about the meaning behind it. Shifting focus from what content aims to learning opens the door to powerful, emotionally resonating, Pixar-worthy storytelling, even in the most unexpected places.
In this article you will find…
Policy isn’t the only real goal
Let’s take a look at a classic example: New policy updates from your legal department. At the surface level, the learning goals are: “Every employee should be aware of the change and ensure that the company is not sued.” But if you dig deeper, there are goals that often aren’t hidden underneath.
Humanize legal teams that are usually considered rules enforcers rather than partners. To build trust, employees seek advice not only after something goes wrong, but before they act. To promote a culture of positive responsibility (rather than reactive damage control).
Looking at it that way, the real story is not about policy, it is about connection, prevention, and sharing of responsibility. And they are all very human and very relevant themes.
Why Storytelling works (even if it’s boring)
Good storytelling creates context. It adds emotion. And it helps people see what’s behind. Storytelling:
It activates more brain regions than just facts. Increases retention up to 20 times. It generates empathy and emotional investment. Converts abstract rules into real-world results.
Even the most technical or everyday topics can be memorable with the right lens. Think of it like this: Pixar tells the entire life story in a house with lamps, robots, or balloons. So why don’t you do the same thing in your training?
Pixar-worthy storytelling connects
You don’t need feature films to make a lasting impression. Pixar has mastered the art of storytelling with its simplest elements.
In UP, we live the entire relationship between Carl and Ellie within five minutes. No words are needed. Wall-E tells a complete love story between the two robots using only sound effects and eye movements.
Pixar proves that a strong story doesn’t require long runtimes (or sometimes words at all). In Toy Story 2, Jesse’s emotional flashback unfolds through a simple song and a series of quiet, visual moments, showing the deep stab of abandonment without a series of dialogue. In Ratatouille, Anton Ego takes a bite of Remy’s dishes and is instantly reverted to childhood memories. It is told in seconds through visual and sensory storytelling. And in Pixar’s earliest short film, Luxo Jr., the desk lamp where the ball somehow conveys curiosity, joy, failure, and even a little sadness, without the words speaking, a little sadness. These moments are intentionally reminding us that even the simplest visuals and narrative beats can have emotional impact, enhance learning, and create lasting meaning. If the lamp can learn something within two minutes, you can also teach your training. What do these have in common?
A clear emotional relationship of interest suggests the human value of the backstory, even for non-human characters.
In learning design, this looks like this:
A two-minute animation showing goodwill and mistakes showing how it escalates. A narrated photo montage of actual employee experiences. A branching scenario that follows a character at multiple touchpoints in the system.
The key is not the length, it is the intention.
Quick Side Note: When Pixar first showed Luxo Jr., which was intended to showcase the software’s features, room executives didn’t ask about animation technology, lighting effects, or rendering engines. They asked one question: “Is the little lamp a boy or a girl?” The question said it all. It was under two minutes and there was no dialogue, no faces or backstory, but Pixar created a character that was extremely incredibly personable, and the audience instinctively wanted to know more about it. That is the power of storytelling. Bypass the logic and proceed straight to the connection. And that’s exactly what good training should aim for.
Discover hidden stories in content
If your topic doesn’t seem to lend itself to the story, take a deeper look. Here’s where you can often find:
1. The role of the learner
What do learners do with this information? What is at risk for them?
example
Cybersecurity training is not about “rules.” It’s about how to protect your colleagues from identity theft and phishing attacks.
2. Human Results
If this doesn’t work, who can help (or hurt)?
example
HIPAA is not just about avoiding fines. It is to maintain someone’s dignity and trust in them at their most vulnerable moments.
3. Journey
Are there any problems to solve? Is it wrong to learn? Transformation into a witness?
example
Show new managers who are struggling to give feedback what they can improve with coaching and practice.
4. Feelings
What is the emotional undercurrent? Frustration? fear? pride? peace of mind?
example
New safety procedures may reduce anxiety among those returning to work after an injury.
Practical tips for adding Pixar-worthy storytelling to your training
Are you ready to add even more heart to your training with storytelling worthy of Pixar? Here’s how to get started:
Start with empathy
Interview learners. Do they fear, torment or hope around this topic? Use it to guide the tone and shape of the story.
Use realistic characters
Create avatars and characters that allow learners to see themselves. Avoid stereotypes.
Shows progress
A good story shows change. Use a simple “pre/inter/post” structure to show growth or results.
Weaving options
Let’s interact with the story with the learners. Use a branching scenario, a moment of reflection, or “What do you do?” segment.
Add audio
Narration and dialogue add emotional context and relevance. Even casual narration makes the policy feel more approachable.
Visualize it
Consider a short or illustrated metaphor of photographic stories, animations. Use symbolism, colours and pacing to communicate your mood and stakes.
Beyond Engagement: Greater Return
When injecting storytelling into your training, you don’t just make it “more fun.” you:
It helps employees understand not only the rules but also the reasons why. Build empathy and collaboration with departments such as HR, legal and compliance. Create a shared language and culture on important issues.
And perhaps most importantly, you are showing learners that their time is respected. Their attention is that it is worth making money. Their work is important. After all, great storytelling isn’t about drama. It’s about meaning. And if Pixar taught us anything, it means that we can find meaning in old toys, rusty robots, or even mountains of floating houses.
Next time you create training for a dried or cut topic, pause and say, “What is the story waiting to be told here?” you may be surprised at the mind it has.
Additional resources
Below is a list of popular training topics, along with creative storytelling elements that will help you humanize your content, create emotional resonances, and make them memorable. These ideas are designed to not only transfer information, but also induce new ways of thinking.
Compliance and Ethics Training
Common pitfalls
It feels like a rule follow or legal. Storytelling elements are elements for using characters who make intentional mistakes and have to deal with ripple effects. Parallel stories where someone says, and stories where they don’t. Compare the results. The anonymous “days of life” of compliance officers shows their true impact. Emotional hook
The fear of doing wrong, guilt, sincerity, and courage. Angle of humanization
Mistakes are human. It’s not only necessary, but also compassionate to prevent them.
Cybersecurity awareness
Common pitfalls
Dots and Technical Jargon’s drylist. Storytelling elements to use: Team members fall into phishing scams and you walk through the aftermath (data breaches, team confusion, trust issues). Emotional hook
Responsibility, fear, protection, trust. Angle of humanization
Cybersecurity isn’t about that, it’s about protecting the people around you.
HIPAA/Privacy and Data Protection
Common pitfalls
It’s not enough for real people and is focused too much on regulations. A storytelling element that uses patient vulnerability experiences when breaching patient privacy. Split screen of careless behavior and patient emotional responses. A nurse who notices a lapse of privacy and quietly intervenes to correct it. Emotional hook
Dignity, trust, vulnerability, professionalism. Angle of humanization
Privacy is not a document. It maintains human dignity during the most difficult moments of life.
Manager Training (feedback, delegation, coaching)
Common pitfalls
It feels theoretical or general. Storytelling elements using a new manager struggle to provide constructive feedback. Include internal monologues. A story arc showing employee development: “Coaching over time”; A short drama adaptation of what happens when trust is broken one-on-one. Emotional hook
Anxiety, pride, guidance, transformation. Angle of humanization
Managers are people too, and in many cases they try, learn and grow just like they do with their teams.
Mental health and happiness
Common pitfalls
It can be sermoned or overly clinical. The storytelling elements use a “silent struggle” scenario told through the characters’ daily microinteractions. Photo stories and animations that show how stress can quietly accumulate. Honest internal dialogue that many employees may be involved. Emotional hook
Quarantine, relief, connection, self-compassion. Angle of humanization
Mental health is not just about health. You are permitted to become a human at work.
Diversity, Equality, Inclusion (DEI)
Common pitfalls
You can feel abstract, overly academic, or polarized. The storytelling element uses actual employee stories (anonymization) about moments of attribution and/or exclusion. A scenario showing microattacks and impacts over time. Time-lapse of a single meeting from multiple perspectives (e.g., suspended, credited, ignored) emotional hook
Attribution, shame, pride, hope. Angle of humanization
Day is not a theory. It’s a way for people to feel like they’re stepping into your building every day.
Workplace safety
Common pitfalls
It feels like a checklist. A storytelling element that uses near-miss events told from multiple perspectives. Flashbacks from people injured at work and how they changed. “Momentary moment”: Build tension by showing how small choices fit. Emotional hook
Regret, responsibility, gratitude. Angle of humanization
Safety isn’t a process, it protects the person.
Goal setting and performance
Common pitfalls
It feels like corporate fluff. The storytelling element uses the journey of struggling employees to set mentoring and meaningful goals. A story of burnout and resetting from chasing wrong goals. A team using goals to get through tough quarters together. Emotional hook
Ambition, self-worth, resilience, fulfillment. Angle of humanization
The goal is not about metrics, it is about purpose and momentum.
Elm Learning
We create meaningful learning experiences to build communities within our organization. It combines NeuroLearning® principles, design thinking and compelling storytelling, allowing your learning program to achieve measurable results.
