Idea #24 - The Magical Science of Storytelling

Stories are not simply myths and fables passed down from community to community, they’re an integral part of our daily lives and it is important to see them as a tool to communicate with an audience, as well as resonate with them on a deeper, more emotional level.

In today’s discussion, we saw a Ted Talk that spoke of the power of storytelling, as well as the science embedded in the very art of storytelling.

While giving a pitch, or trying to sell a product - it is pertinent for the person to build a connection with you. People are generally more compliant when there’s a production of endorphins, oxytocin and dopamine. These are hormones that can be generated at will - if only we use the right words.

Dopamine is activated through a sense of mystery, suspense and thrill. Oxytocin helps us in sympathising with the speaker - thus seeing them in a more human light. And Endorphins are activated when we’re at our happiest, or most joyful.

As per the pitch, the speaker can choose stories that target these very emotions - and thus present a compelling presentation. This is known as functional storytelling, and is a powerful method of advertising, and communication.

So remember, choose your neurotransmitters carefully - and always keep a good repository of anecdotes and stories at hand!

Written By: Hetvi Kamdar

Curated By: Hetvi Kamdar