- 2025-03-19
Creating Unforgettable Learning Experiences
How to Make Training Content Stick?
In today’s fast-paced information era, ensuring training content leaves a lasting impression is a key challenge for trainers and L&D professionals.
At ATD24, speaker Brian Walter, President of Sticky Training, introduced innovative Memory Hacks to enhance retention and engagement in learning.
Speaker: Brian Walter, President, Sticky Training
Topic: Memory Hacks: How to Make Your Training Stickier
Contributor: Li-Kuo Tsai, Deputy Director, Software Development, PISB
Key Insights from the Session
Making Training “Sticky” with Memory Hacks
Brian Walter emphasized the importance of memorable training experiences and introduced various memory-enhancing techniques to improve content retention. He introduced the concept of mental muscle memory and the GFSD framework, which includes:
Gettable – Easily perceived insights that trigger “aha” moments
Feelable – Emotional connections that reinforce learning
Sayable – Simple, repeatable phrases that spread knowledge
Doable – Clear, actionable steps that drive immediate application
Using real-world examples, Walter demonstrated how these principles can be applied effectively in training.
GFSD Framework in Action
One memorable example Walter shared was a banana peeling exercise, illustrating how structured training activities enhance retention. Each GFSD element ensures content sticks and becomes actionable for learners.
．10 Memory Hacks for Better Learning
Walter also shared 10 powerful Memory Hacks that leverage psychology and neuroscience to boost recall and engagement:
- Mini Brands – Short, catchy names for key concepts
- Alliteration – Using similar sounds for memorability
- Acronyms – Compact abbreviations for easy recall
- Rhythm – Cadence-based learning reinforcement
- Selective Repetition – Strategic emphasis on key messages
- Chunking – Breaking content into manageable pieces
- Raise the Stakes – Gamification and competition for engagement
- Verbal Posting – Encouraging learners to articulate ideas
- Emotional Shift Experience – Creating impactful experiences
- Emotional Shift Story – Using storytelling to enhance retention
These techniques make training content more engaging, interactive, and effective for learners.
Insights from the Research Center
In an age of information overload, making training memorable is more critical than ever. Memory Hacks and the GFSD framework reinforce that training should go beyond knowledge transfer—it should enable learners to perceive, feel, articulate, and apply new insights.
The Mini Brands approach stands out as a highly practical method—by assigning concise and impactful names to concepts, retention increases significantly. Examples like the “P-Board” and “Banana Peeling” experiments showcase how simple activities enhance participation and recall.
Furthermore, the power of language in training is undeniable. Techniques like alliteration, rhythm, and repetition make key messages easier to remember, while gamification and peer discussion boost engagement and knowledge retention.
This session reaffirmed that effective training must be immersive and actionable. By integrating memory-enhancing techniques, L&D professionals can ensure that training content remains memorable and impactful long after the session ends.
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