STORYLINE BUILD GUIDE

Having a Difficult Conversation as a Manager

Branching Scenario — Articulate Storyline 360

Copy-paste ready. Build exactly as listed.

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BEFORE YOU START — PROJECT SETUP

1. Open Storyline 360 → New Project
2. Slide size: 16:9 (1280 x 720px) — standard widescreen
3. Player: Set to BLANK player (no menu, no seekbar, no prev/next buttons)
4. Set Slide Properties → Advance: By User (no auto-advance on ANY slide)
5. Colors: Use a clean dark navy (#1F3864) for headers, white body text on dark slides, dark text on light slides
6. Font: Use Lato or Open Sans throughout (Storyline built-in)

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VARIABLES — SET THESE FIRST

Go to: Variables panel (top ribbon) → Add each one before building slides

Variable Name	Type	Default Value	Purpose
score	Number	0	Cumulative score. Best=+2, Okay=+1, Poor=+0. Max 6.
choice_1	Text	(empty)	Records DP1 choice: "best" or "okay" or "poor"
choice_2	Text	(empty)	Records DP2 choice: "best" or "okay" or "poor"
choice_3	Text	(empty)	Records DP3 choice: "best" or "okay" or "poor"
attempts_dp1	Number	0	Counts retries on Decision Point 1 (for hint logic)

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IMAGE GENERATION PROMPTS

Generate these BEFORE building. Use Happy Alien AI Media or Midjourney.

IMAGE 1 — Office Background

Prompt: "Modern corporate office meeting room, two chairs across a small table, warm neutral lighting, blurred background, photorealistic, no people, clean and professional, 16:9 widescreen ratio" Use on: Slides 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 Save as: bg-office-room.jpg

IMAGE 2 — Jordan (Nervous / Default)

Prompt: "Professional headshot of a young person in their late 20s, gender-neutral appearance, business casual attire, seated, arms slightly crossed, expression slightly tense or uncertain, neutral office background, photorealistic, looking slightly off-camera" Use on: Slides 2, 3, 5, 7 Save as: jordan-neutral.png (PNG with transparent background preferred)

IMAGE 3 — Jordan (Open / Positive)

Prompt: "Same person as previous image, same attire and setting, now leaning slightly forward, arms uncrossed, open body language, expression thoughtful and engaged, slight hint of relief" Use on: Slides 4A, 6A Save as: jordan-open.png

IMAGE 4 — Jordan (Guarded / Defensive)

Prompt: "Same person as previous images, same attire, arms still crossed, expression neutral-defensive, slight skeptical look, posture closed off" Use on: Slides 4B, 6B Save as: jordan-guarded.png

IMAGE 5 — Jordan (Shut Down / Closed)

Prompt: "Same person, looking away from camera, expression flat and resigned, body turned slightly, posture withdrawn, same office setting" Use on: Slides 4C, 6C, 8C Save as: jordan-closed.png

IMAGE 6 — Jordan (Relieved / Positive End)

Prompt: "Same person, genuine small smile, relaxed shoulders, direct eye contact, expression of relief and gratitude, professional setting" Use on: Slide 8A Save as: jordan-relieved.png

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SLIDE-BY-SLIDE BUILD INSTRUCTIONS

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SLIDE 1 — Title Slide

WHY: Sets the tone. Learner needs to know this is a practice scenario, not a lecture.

BUILD:

1. Insert background image: bg-office-room.jpg (full bleed, slightly darkened with a semi-transparent black rectangle overlay at 50% opacity)
2. Add text box center of screen:
   • Line 1 (large, bold, white): Having a Difficult Conversation as a Manager
   • Line 2 (smaller, white, italic): A scenario-based practice exercise
3. Add a button (Insert → Button):
   • Label: Start →
   • Style: Filled rectangle, navy blue (#1F3864), white text
   • Position: Center bottom

TRIGGER on [Start →] button:

• Action: Jump to Slide → Slide 2
• When: User clicks

NO other triggers. No auto-advance.

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SLIDE 2 — Setup / Context

WHY: Learner needs the full context before making decisions. Establish Jordan, the situation, and what this exercise is about.

BUILD:

1. Background: bg-office-room.jpg (same darkened overlay)
2. Left 40% of slide: Place jordan-neutral.png (Jordan seated, looking at camera)
3. Right 55% of slide: White card/text box with dark text containing:

You manage a team of 6.

Jordan Chen has missed two deadlines in the past three weeks and
seems increasingly disengaged in team meetings.

You've scheduled a 1:1 for this afternoon. You've decided to
address it directly.

In this scenario, you'll make three key decisions. Each one
affects how the conversation unfolds — and how Jordan feels
when it's over.

4. Small label above the text box (gray, small font): SCENARIO SETUP
5. Button bottom right: I'm Ready →

TRIGGER on [I'm Ready →]:

• Action: Adjust Variable → Set attempts_dp1 = 0
• Action: Jump to Slide → Slide 3

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SLIDE 3 — Decision Point 1

WHY: First key decision — how the learner opens the conversation. Sets up the branching.

BUILD:

1. Background: bg-office-room.jpg
2. Top left label (small, navy, bold): DECISION POINT 1 OF 3
3. Jordan image (jordan-neutral.png) — left side, 40% width
4. Speech bubble or caption box near Jordan: Jordan looks up as you enter the room.
5. Narrator text box (right side): The 1:1 begins. How do you open the conversation?
6. Three buttons stacked vertically (right-center of slide):

Button A (text): "Jordan, I've noticed you've missed the last two deadlines. I want to understand what's going on — can you walk me through it?"

Button B (text): "Jordan, we need to talk about your performance lately."

Button C (text): "Everyone's noticed you've been off your game lately. What's going on with you?"

7. HINT LAYER (create a separate layer named "Hint"):
   • Add text box: Think about what opens people up vs. what puts them on guard.
   • Style: amber/yellow banner at top of slide
   • This layer is hidden by default

TRIGGERS on Slide 3:

• On slide timeline start: IF attempts_dp1 > 0 → Show Layer "Hint"

TRIGGER on Button A click:

• Adjust Variable: score = score + 2
• Adjust Variable: Set choice_1 = "best"
• Jump to Slide → Slide 4A

TRIGGER on Button B click:

• Adjust Variable: score = score + 1
• Adjust Variable: Set choice_1 = "okay"
• Jump to Slide → Slide 4B

TRIGGER on Button C click:

• Adjust Variable: score + 0 (no change needed)
• Adjust Variable: Set choice_1 = "poor"
• Adjust Variable: attempts_dp1 = attempts_dp1 + 1
• Jump to Slide → Slide 4C

BUTTON STYLING TIP: All 3 buttons same size and style (white fill, navy border, dark text). No visual hint which is "correct" — learner must choose based on content alone.

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SLIDE 4A — Consequence: DP1 Best Choice

WHY: Reward the right behavior with specific feedback that explains WHY it worked.

BUILD:

1. Background: Plain white or very light gray (shift away from office bg to signal "feedback mode")
2. Top banner (green, #2E7D32): ✅ Strong Opening
3. Jordan image: jordan-open.png — left side
4. Speech bubble from Jordan (right of Jordan): "Yeah... honestly, things have been really hard lately. I didn't want to bring it up, but I've been dealing with some stuff at home."
5. Coach feedback box (right side, below speech bubble):

That landed well.

You named a specific, observable behavior — not a character
judgment. And you asked for Jordan's perspective before drawing
any conclusions.

Jordan felt safe enough to be honest. That's the foundation
this conversation needed.

6. Button bottom right: Continue →

TRIGGER on [Continue →]:

• Jump to Slide → Slide 5

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SLIDE 4B — Consequence: DP1 Okay Choice

WHY: Show the learner they're not "wrong" but explain the cost of the approach.

BUILD:

1. Same layout as 4A but:
2. Top banner (amber, #F57C00): ⚠️ Neutral — but watch the tone
3. Jordan image: jordan-guarded.png
4. Jordan speech bubble: "What do you mean? I've been working really hard..."
5. Coach feedback box:

This is recoverable — but you've started on the back foot.

"Performance" is a loaded word. It activates defensiveness
before the conversation has even started.

Jordan isn't hostile, but they're guarded. You'll need to
work harder to earn honesty from here.

6. Button: Continue →

TRIGGER: Jump to Slide 5

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SLIDE 4C — Consequence: DP1 Poor Choice (Try Again)

WHY: Clear consequence, no shame — just redirect with explanation and a path to try again.

BUILD:

1. Top banner (red, #C62828): ❌ This approach backfired
2. Jordan image: jordan-closed.png
3. Jordan reaction (no speech bubble — show silence): Jordan looks away and gives a minimal nod.
4. Coach feedback:

"Everyone's noticed" is shaming language.

It tells Jordan their struggle has been visible and judged by
the whole team. Even if true, it creates shame — not dialogue.

Jordan is unlikely to be honest from here. Let's try a
different approach.

5. Button: Try Again →

TRIGGER on [Try Again →]:

• Jump to Slide → Slide 3 (Note: attempts_dp1 was already incremented before leaving Slide 3, so the Hint layer will now appear automatically on Slide 3)

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SLIDE 5 — Decision Point 2

WHY: Jordan has opened up. This is the most critical emotional moment — how the learner responds here determines whether trust is built or lost.

BUILD:

1. Background: bg-office-room.jpg
2. Label: DECISION POINT 2 OF 3
3. Jordan image: jordan-open.png (more open than Slide 3 — progress)
4. Jordan speech bubble:

"Things have been really hard lately. I've been overwhelmed
but I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want
to seem like I couldn't handle it."

5. Narrator: Jordan has opened up. This moment matters. How do you respond?
6. Three choice buttons:

Button A: "I really appreciate you telling me that. Tell me more about what's been overwhelming — I want to understand the full picture before we think about next steps."

Button B: "Okay, I understand. Let's figure out a plan to get things back on track."

Button C: "I hear you, but the deadlines still need to be met. What are you going to do differently going forward?"

TRIGGERS:

• Button A: score + 2 → Set choice_2 = "best" → Slide 6A
• Button B: score + 1 → Set choice_2 = "okay" → Slide 6B
• Button C: score + 0 → Set choice_2 = "poor" → Slide 6C

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SLIDE 6A — Consequence: DP2 Best

BUILD:

1. Green banner: ✅ This built real trust
2. Jordan: jordan-open.png (even more relaxed)
3. Jordan speech:

"It's been a combination of things — my dad had a health scare,
and I took on extra work from the restructuring without telling
anyone. I've been trying to hold everything together."

4. Coach feedback:

Exactly right.

You acknowledged Jordan's vulnerability before jumping to
problem-solving. "Tell me more" is one of the most powerful
phrases in a difficult conversation.

Jordan gave you the real picture. Now you know what you're
actually dealing with.

5. Button: Continue → → Slide 7

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SLIDE 6B — Consequence: DP2 Okay

BUILD:

1. Amber banner: ⚠️ Moving too fast — Jordan isn't fully heard yet
2. Jordan: jordan-guarded.png (neutral)
3. Jordan speech: "Okay... yeah. I'll try to do better."
4. Coach feedback:

You moved to solutions before understanding the problem.

Jordan agreed — but notice how vague "I'll try to do better" is.
They don't feel fully heard, and you don't have the real picture.

You'll get a plan. It just might not solve the actual root cause.

5. Button: Continue → → Slide 7

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SLIDE 6C — Consequence: DP2 Poor (Try Again)

BUILD:

1. Red banner: ❌ You lost the opening Jordan gave you
2. Jordan: jordan-closed.png
3. Jordan speech: "...I guess I'll just figure it out."
4. Coach feedback:

Jordan took a real risk by being vulnerable.

Your response redirected immediately to accountability. That
signals that honesty isn't actually safe here.

The conversation just became transactional.
Let's try again.

5. Button: Try Again → → Slide 5

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SLIDE 7 — Decision Point 3

WHY: Final decision — how you close the conversation. Tests whether learner gives structure and follow-through, or leaves it vague.

BUILD:

1. Background: bg-office-room.jpg
2. Label: DECISION POINT 3 OF 3
3. Jordan: jordan-open.png (settled, some relief visible)
4. Narrator: You've had a productive conversation. It's time to close. Jordan asks:
5. Jordan speech bubble: "So... what happens now?"
6. Narrator: How do you close the conversation?
7. Three choice buttons:

Button A: "Let's set one clear goal for this week — something realistic given everything you've shared. Then I'll check in with you on Wednesday to see how you're doing."

Button B: "Let's just see how this week goes. Come find me if you need anything."

Button C: "I do need to document this conversation for HR, given the missed deadlines. I'll send you a summary email."

TRIGGERS:

• Button A: score + 2 → Set choice_3 = "best" → Slide 8A
• Button B: score + 1 → Set choice_3 = "okay" → Slide 8B
• Button C: score + 0 → Set choice_3 = "poor" → Slide 8C

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SLIDE 8A — Best Ending

BUILD:

1. Green banner at top: ✅ Best Outcome
2. Jordan: jordan-relieved.png (genuine small smile)
3. Jordan speech:

"That sounds really good. Thank you for actually listening —
I was honestly dreading this meeting."

4. Narrator:

Jordan leaves feeling supported, clear on next steps, and
still trusting you.

You addressed the performance issue AND strengthened the
relationship. That's what a great difficult conversation
looks like.

5. Button: See Your Results → → Slide 9

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SLIDE 8B — Okay Ending

BUILD:

1. Amber banner: ⚠️ Okay Outcome
2. Jordan: jordan-neutral.png (polite nod)
3. Jordan speech: "Okay. Thanks for talking." *(Gets up to leave.)*
4. Narrator:

Jordan leaves with goodwill intact — but with no clear
next steps and no specific goal.

"Come find me" puts all the initiative back on the person
who is already struggling. Without structure, the same
pattern is likely to continue.

5. Button: See Your Results → → Slide 9

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SLIDE 8C — Poor Ending

BUILD:

1. Red banner: ❌ Trust Damaged
2. Jordan: jordan-closed.png (blindsided expression)
3. Jordan speech: "HR? I... I thought this was just a check-in."
4. Narrator:

Bringing HR documentation into a first conversation —
especially after Jordan was vulnerable — lands as a threat.

Jordan feels ambushed. The trust built during this
conversation has been significantly damaged.

Documentation may be necessary eventually, but announcing
it here undoes the progress you made.

5. Button: See Your Results → → Slide 9

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SLIDE 9 — Debrief & Score

WHY: Closes the loop. Shows learner their score, choice summary, and key takeaways. Also fires SCORM completion.

BUILD:

1. Background: Clean white or very light gray

2. Title: How Did You Do?

3. Score display box (large, centered):

   • Text: Your Score:
   • Insert Reference → Variable: score
   • Text continues: / 6
   • Example display: Your Score: 4 / 6

4. Three text boxes with STATES (use Storyline states to show/hide based on score):

Score Band Box — State "Expert" (show when score >= 5):

🌟 Expert Communicator
You showed empathy, specificity, and clear follow-through.
That's the full package.

Score Band Box — State "Developing" (show when score 3–4):

📈 Developing
Good instincts in some moments.
A few adjustments would make a real difference.

Score Band Box — State "Practice" (show when score 0–2):

🔄 Keep Practicing
Difficult conversations are a skill, not a talent.
Review the coaching feedback on each decision and try again.

5. Choice Summary (3 rows):

   • Decision 1: [Reference variable: choice_1]
   • Decision 2: [Reference variable: choice_2]
   • Decision 3: [Reference variable: choice_3]

6. Key Takeaways box:

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
1. Open with behavior, not character — ask before you conclude.
2. Listen fully before solving — "tell me more" is underused.
3. Close with a specific action and a follow-up commitment.

7. Two buttons:
   • Restart (left)
   • Finish (right)

TRIGGERS on Slide 9:

On slide timeline start:

• Execute JavaScript: Complete SCORM

  var player = GetPlayer();
  player.SetVar("completion_status","completed");

  OR: Use Storyline's built-in "Complete course" trigger

Score band states trigger (add to score band text box):

• When timeline starts on slide:
  • IF score >= 5 → Change state of ScoreBand to "Expert"
  • IF score >= 3 AND score <= 4 → Change state of ScoreBand to "Developing"
  • IF score <= 2 → Change state of ScoreBand to "Practice"

TRIGGER [Restart] button:

• Adjust Variable: score = 0
• Adjust Variable: choice_1 = ""
• Adjust Variable: choice_2 = ""
• Adjust Variable: choice_3 = ""
• Adjust Variable: attempts_dp1 = 0
• Jump to Slide → Slide 1

TRIGGER [Finish] button:

• Exit Course (built-in Storyline trigger)

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PUBLISHING SETTINGS

1. File → Publish → LMS
2. Output: SCORM 1.2
3. Tracking: Track using: Slides viewed → OR → Track using quiz result (if you added quiz tracking)
4. Better option: Track using: Complete/Incomplete
   • Set completion: When learner has viewed slide 9 (the debrief slide)
   • This ensures ANY ending = completion in CoursePipelines
5. LMS reporting: Passed/Incomplete OR Completed/Incomplete (choose based on CoursePipelines setup)
6. Click Publish → ZIP the output folder
7. Upload ZIP to CoursePipelines

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QUICK REFERENCE — BRANCH MAP

S1 Title → S2 Setup → S3 DP1
  S3 Choice A → S4A (Best) → S5 DP2
  S3 Choice B → S4B (Okay) → S5 DP2
  S3 Choice C → S4C (Poor) → S3 (retry + hint)

S5 DP2
  Choice A → S6A (Best) → S7 DP3
  Choice B → S6B (Okay) → S7 DP3
  Choice C → S6C (Poor) → S5 (retry)

S7 DP3
  Choice A → S8A Best Ending → S9 Debrief
  Choice B → S8B Okay Ending → S9 Debrief
  Choice C → S8C Poor Ending → S9 Debrief

S9 → SCORM Completion fires here

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MEGAN-SPECIFIC DEMO NOTES

When showing this to Megan, say: "This is the type of behavioral data CoursePipelines surfaces — not just 'Jordan completed the course' but 'Jordan consistently chose the accountability-first path at Decision Point 2.' That's the difference between completion data and learning data."

Then flip to the CoursePipelines dashboard showing the 20 dummy learner accounts and their branching choices across all 4 courses.

THAT is what will make her lean forward.