How We Make Learning Stick: Drama, Emotion & Behaviour Change
We don’t just want people to remember our training. We want them to change because of it.
At ted Learning, our drama-based approach isn’t just engaging—it’s backed by science. We combine theatre techniques with behavioural psychology to create immersive, emotional learning experiences that drive long-term impact.
So what makes this approach so powerful and how does it make learning stick? Let’s look at the evidence.
The science of experiential learning
People remember:
- 10% of what they read
- 20% of what they hear
- 30% of what they see
- But up to 90% of what they do and experience
(Source: Edgar Dale’s Cone of Experience, adapted and supported by experiential learning research.)
Drama-based training sits firmly in the top tier of experiential learning. It engages people cognitively, emotionally and physically—triggering the kinds of neural responses that reinforce memory and behaviour .
Why emotion matters
According to neuroscience research, emotion plays a key role in learning and memory. When people feel something—surprise, empathy, discomfort, joy—they’re more likely to:
- Pay attention
- Retain information
- Reflect more deeply
That’s why watching a difficult conversation unfold live, or being part of a high-stakes scenario, creates a deeper imprint than watching a video or reading a manual.
From awareness to action
Our clients consistently tell us that drama-based learning helps:
- Change behaviours rather than just build knowledge
- Increase emotional intelligence in leaders
- Foster accountability and courage in teams
- Support a speak-up culture through realistic practice
It’s not just that people enjoy the training—it’s that they leave with new language, new tools, and the muscle memory to use them.
Real impact, across sectors
We’ve delivered emotionally engaging learning for clients in:
- Retail & hospitality (e.g. Reiss, Côte Brasserie)
- Government & local authorities (e.g. EDI and culture change)
- Financial services & corporate (e.g. inclusive leadership, conflict resolution)
Across every sector, the results are the same: learners are more switched on, more self-aware, and more prepared to take action.
“I’ve sat through a lot of training in my time. This is the first time I’ve felt something shift—and that shift stuck.”
The bottom line?
When you engage people emotionally, learning isn’t just retained—it’s lived.
Whether it’s:
- Tackling bias and inclusion
- Coaching difficult conversations
- Shaping stronger leaders
ted Learning’s drama-based approach creates behaviour change that sticks.
About the Author
Justin Smth Essex
Justin is the Group MD of Squaricle Group & the founder of ted Learning.
He specialises in designing and delivering training in customer service, equality and diversity, management fundamentals, team building & presentation skills.
Justin is the key account manager across our portfolio. He works with our clients to ensure the programmes we deliver are tailored to their specific needs and are dramatically different, engaging and fun. He works with the fantastic team at ted Learning to ensure everything we do is on brand and delivers what our clients and learners need.
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ted Learning Limited is not affiliated with or endorsed by TED Conferences LLC, TED Talks, TEDx, or TED-Ed. Any references to ‘ted’ on this website refer solely to ted Learning Limited, a separate and independent UK-based organisation specialising in drama-based learning & workplace training.
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