Exploring the Science of Story: Part One

Published: May 10, 2023, 7 a.m.

I\u2019m working with a client in one of my Mastermind programs. She asks, \u201cKymberlee, what\u2019s the difference between a story that we will remember versus one we will forget?\u201d

At that moment, I can choose to hit the surface level and talk about story elements\u2026 or I can go deeper and talk about the science.\xa0

I choose to get all science-y. And once I\u2019m done going in-depth with my answer, she says it\u2019s given her a completely new understanding of the power of storytelling (woohoo)!

Today on the Storytelling School podcast, join me as we dive headfirst into exploring the scientific principles that give storytelling the mesmerizing power to captivate us all. I reveal some mind-blowing facts about storytelling and answer questions such as:

What exactly makes stories so irresistible? How is storytelling like a high-stakes poker game? How does the power of storytelling go beyond entertainment, and what intellectual benefits does it provide? Why have stories been used throughout history to inspire change? And how has technology shaped the landscape of storytelling?

What you will learn in this episode:

  • What key ingredients (honed over centuries) keep you hooked on stories
  • How your brain helps you attain an emotional connection to storytelling
  • How storytelling has made an impact in different domains

A little about me:

Hi there. I\u2019m Kymberlee.

As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I\u2019ve had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I\u2019ve seen what works when influencing change and what doesn\u2019t. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That\u2019s why I\u2019m building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people\u2019s lives.

Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You\u2019ll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same.

If you think business owners can\u2019t tell stories or don\u2019t have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There\u2019s no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value.

Now it\u2019s your turn... If you\u2019re ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you\u2019ve come to the right place.

Links and Resources: