“Unlocking the Secrets: How the Art of Storytelling Captivates Your Brain Like Nothing Else”
Ever found yourself wondering why certain stories just stick with you, echoing in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page or left the theater? Well, here’s a little secret: it’s not just the plot twist or the brooding hero who keeps us coming back for more. Nope! It’s all about the chemistry—literally. Welcome to Part 4 of our exploration into the science of storytelling, where we continue to peel back the layers on how our brains react to narratives. From oxytocin’s warm embrace that makes us feel connected to characters, to cortisol that stalls our hearts during the tense bits, and the dopamine rush we get when everything resolves, storytelling is a powerful vehicle for emotional experience. Today, we dive into another insightful Harvard Business Review article that reveals how to structure presentations like a great story, further emphasizing that effective communication often mirrors the art of storytelling itself. So, let’s unravel the threads of narrative structure together—who knows, maybe you’ll find your own voice in the process! LEARN MORE.
Part 4: What Is / What Could Be / What Is / What Could Be / What Is…
In Part 1, we considered a Harvard Business Review article about the influence of stories on the brain, how much of it apparently boils down to the reaction of a chemical called Oxytocin.
In Part 2, we considered additional chemical reactions in the brain related to storytelling: Cortisol during tense moments, Oxytocin which promotes a sense of connection to what is happening in the story, and Dopamine which makes us feel more hopeful and optimistic. So a new way of thinking about Three Act Structure:
Empathy [Oxytocin]: Establish a point of emotional resonance with characters.
Tension [Cortisol]: Create a dilemma that arouses disunity.
Release [Dopamine]: Resolve the dilemma that brings about unity.
In Part 3, we explored another HBR article and came away with three important questions to ask as part of the story-crafting process:
- Who is my audience?
- How can I make the script reader feel like the hero?
- How can I imbue my story with conflict?
Today, we look at yet another Harvard Business Review article: Structure Your Presentation Like a Story.
After studying hundreds of speeches, I’ve found that the most effective presenters use the same techniques as great storytellers: By reminding people of the status quo and then…
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