deepstash
Beta
Deepstash brings you key ideas from the most inspiring articles like this one:
Read more efficiently
Save what inspires you
Remember anything
The Science Behind Storytelling
4
Key Ideas
Save all ideas
Hardwired for Stories
We love to tell and listen to stories. The 'Story Narrative' is hardwired in us, as we think and remember in stories.
A strong narrative can be the difference between success and failure.
143 SAVES
198 READS
Creative Problem Solving
Human beings are able to creatively solve problems, alone or in a group. This has given rise to many inventions, shaping common goals shared by a group of people.
We needed a 'sticky' idea to spread it among people, and the story narrative is exactly that.
144 SAVES
166 READS
Relating To The Characters
Stories cater to our Ego. A listener puts himself in the shoes of the protagonist of a story, and an idea is given emotional heft and sturdiness.
The more we are able to relate to the central character, the more engaging, effective and memorable a story narrative becomes.
149 SAVES
155 READS
Story Structure
- In this setup, the main character has a clear goal, backed by a clear motive. There are obstacles and blockages.
- There is a struggle, there are other characters added to the mix, and there are certain resources that are made available.
- The obstacle is overcome in the end and there is a certain growth that has happened, leading to further obstacles or bigger goals.
167 SAVES
186 READS
SIMILAR ARTICLES & IDEAS:
3
Key Ideas
Persuasion through storytelling
Stories are a very integral part of being persuasive.
Stories trump data when it comes to persuasion because stories are easier to understand and relate to.
What makes a story engaging
- Suspense and “cliffhangers” allow you to create an addictive narrative;
- Creating detailed imagery;
- Using literary techniques for turning simple stories into memorable works of art.
- Change made easier by providing an example.
Characteristics of persuasive stories
- Delivery: matters as much as the content.
- Imagery: the brain “lights up” in reacting to imagery, truly transporting the reader to the events being described.
- Realism: poeple need a “human” element in the story that is easy for them to imagine.
- Structure: people prefer stories that follow a logical manner.
- Context: significant impact on the persuasiveness of a story.
- Audience: determine who you don’t want reading your content along with who you do.
5
Key Ideas
Purpose of storytelling
In the workplace, storytelling serves as an essential, powerful tool for effective communication.
It gets people excited around an idea, or a value, or perhaps some drier information t...
Make your story personal
Great stories reveal a piece of yourself.
Ask yourself:
- What makes you care about the work that you do?
- What part of you outside of your work is present inside of that world?
- If in financial services, for example, what is it behind the numbers and data that are at the emotional core of your work?
Show passion when you're telling a story
The story needs to have stakes without being necessarily significant.
Ask yourself: What gets you excited about what you’re talking about? Why do you care?
6
Key Ideas
Storytelling is...
Why we tell stories
- Stories solidify abstract concepts and simplify complex messages;
- Stories bring people together: stories connect us through the way we feel and respond to them;
- Stories inspire and motivate, by tapping into people’s emotions and baring both the good and bad.
Good stories are …
- Entertaining. Good stories keep the reader engaged and interested in what’s coming next.
- Educational. Good stories spark curiosity and add to the reader’s knowledge bank.
- Universal. Good stories are relatable to all readers and tap into emotions and experiences that most people undergo.
- Organized. Good stories follow a succinct organization that helps convey the core message and helps readers absorb it.
- Memorable. Whether through inspiration, scandal, or humor, good stories stick in the reader’s mind.