Science Backs the Importance of Storytelling

By March 18, 2014April 26th, 2020SpeakerNotes

Business man with abstract glowing letters on head

One of the biggest “buzz” phrases in public speaking is, “Tell a story!”

And for good reason . . . Storytelling is one of the most powerful forms of communication, stimulating emotions which are key to better learning, attention, memory and decision-making.

Recent research shows that:

  • Your brain “lights up” when you are listening to a story (indicating engagement)
  • Stories provoke emotional thought (enabling learning)
  • We don’t pay attention to boring things (we get “through it” but don’t “get it”)

In the article, The Science Behind Storytelling — and Why It Matters author Gavin McMahon provides some interesting scientific proof describing the impact of storytelling as well as a collection of storytelling rules tweeted out by Emma Coats, former story artist at Pixar.

How do you use storytelling in your communications? Please share!

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