Skip to main content

How Scenario Based Training can help you build a Better Business





At InterACT we love to use Scenario Based Training to engage people in learning. This approach is founded on theater methods pioneered by Augusto Boal in the early 1970’s. 

Although drama is widely used in business training, we often hear it is still a concept unknown to many. 

So what is it? How does it work? And how can you benefit from it?

What is Scenario Based Training (SBT)?

Firstly, there is a common misconception that SBT is ‘role play’ or a way of teaching ‘acting techniques’ for business. Whilst these are elements that can be built into a SBT session or form the basis for some follow-on work, they are not what SBT is fundamentally all about.

Scenario Based Training is an experiential change management tool. It helps identify, challenge and change behavior in the workplace. Using the expertise of professional actors SBT brings complex business issues, processes and practices to life in accessible scripted scenarios.

SBT is about learning through experience. It is about creating an energetic, safe environment that engages with staff, encourages participation and a mindset that will be open to the possibility of change and growth. It uses the skill set of talented facilitators and professional actors to motivate and empower employees. This allows them to embrace change and play a positive part in the improvement of overall customer and employee experience.

How does SBT work?

Firstly the desired learning outcomes need to be identified. Then scripted scenarios are written to highlight the key areas for development. Combined with bespoke drama development techniques and traditional training methods these scenarios, presented by the actors demonstrate the identified issues and stimulate debate around the fundamental questions:


  • What is it like to work here?
  • Are we happy with this way of working?
  • Does it fit with our vision and values?
  • How can we do things better?

Skilled facilitation in a fun learning environment encourages participation. It motivates delegates to take ownership and suggest effective solutions to problems themselves. SBT enables them to practice new behaviors and experience how these changes would benefit them and the organisation. As well as how to embed identified learning objectives into every day practice.


Positive Impact

How to benefit from Scenario Based Training? There are several reasons how Scenario Based Training can impact positively on staff morale and contribute to continuous employee improvement in the workplace.

Firstly. It’s unique. Unlike standard traditional training, Scenario Based Training offers a completely unique approach. An approach that is powerful, relevant, different and fun.
But perhaps the biggest impact of SBT comes from the opportunity to observe recognizable workplace scenarios from a 3rd party perspective. This encourages exploring alternative approaches by directing the actors to change their behaviors in a way that influences the outcomes of the scenario. Delegates can look at challenging issues in a safe environment where it’s OK to get it wrong. 

When actors play out scripted scenarios peppered with humor to demonstrate issues, it brings real situations to life. It is a strong, interactive and informative method of highlighting key issues and stimulating debate. As a result, it enables staff to fully understand and implement what they have learnt. Real scenes that people can relate to are a lot more memorable than a PowerPoint presentation.

And last but not least, it improves motivation and confidence. The combination of techniques used in Scenario Based Training appeal to all learning styles. The use of drama and the interactive way training is delivered make it an effective way of engaging delegates improving motivation and confidence in the workplace.



So now that we've answered the question ‘What is Scenario Based Training?’ and covered the reasons why it can benefit your business, do you think your corporate training program could do with a refresh? 

 Would you like further information about how InterACT's Scenario Based Training can inspire staff, improve efficiency and deliver results? 

 Please contact us at interactwa@outlook.com. You might also like to read about some organisations who have had success from SBT. 

Popular posts from this blog

Practice makes you 60% better!

Be honest: when you have a challenging conversation ahead, how much time do you spend practising it? I mean really practising—sitting down, speaking out loud, positioning your hands as you want them, and using the appropriate tone of voice—as opposed to just thinking about how to approach it. I spent nearly ten years in sales, and I used to rehearse my negotiation skills in my car. While I was mentally preparing, I realized that wasn’t real practice. You truly need to say it out loud and act it out. Take it from someone who has spent a lot of time rehearsing like an actor. There are two forms of long-term memory to consider: 1. **Explicit Memory**: This type stores facts, events, people, places, and objects. 2. **Implicit Memory**: This retains perceptual and motor skills, such as riding a bike or typing on a keyboard. To recall explicit memories—like the script of your message—you need to consciously focus on the process of retrieval, which can be challenging. In contrast, implicit m...
Read more

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

We often perceive Leadership Communication as a purely verbal and intellectual exercise, but that’s not the complete picture. Leadership Communication is less about the words you use and more about how you convey them. As you present your message, your physical presence plays a crucial role. Your body sends its own signals through gestures and tone of voice, which can differ significantly from your spoken words. Unfortunately, it’s often your body language that resonates more with your colleagues. This brings us to a fundamental truth: when it comes to body language, actions do speak louder than words. Your body language can either enhance or undermine your Leadership Communication. Your eyes, mouth, hands, head, and various body movements all provide insights into your mental state. While gestures can emphasize your points, excessive or exaggerated movements may come across as overbearing or aggressive when your intention was simply to appear "strong." Certain gestures, like...
Read more

How I Failed in Feedback...

Research is finally showing the link between free-flowing feedback and better business results. In workplaces where managers don’t give and receive feedback, employee engagement rates limp in at 29%. On the flip side, when feedback is regularly exchanged between managers and employees, engagement jumps to 79%. But let’s face it, we’re human — and we find it tough to engage in feedback. Many of us —including myself — get defensive when we hear it, or we assume nobody wants to hear it. So feedback gets chronically buried and put off. But it doesn’t have to.  In my experience, there is a simple principle that can play a key role in unlocking feedback: It’s not who you are, it’s what you do As a communication trainer and role play actor, I assume that everyone wants to, and can, get better. When I take this approach I find myself able to engage in discussions about areas for improvement with an optimistic and open heart. But even though I always try to take thi...
Read more