Why Storytelling is such an effective tool to change minds

No matter what your goal is, you're a storyteller. Every good story has three important steps:

1. It explains who is involved;
2. It tells why they are in this situation;
3. It reveals the consequences.

One of the most overlooked aspects of any marketing campaign is getting your target audience emotionally invested in your story. As a result, they'll be more receptive to your message and more likely to take an action you desire them to take.

If you want your marketing efforts to be successful, then investing some time into the storytelling aspect will go a long way for you.

In this article, we will explore why Storytelling is one of the most powerful techniques for changing minds and behaviors. It creates a strong emotional connection between our ideas and the people who might be persuaded by them. Stories are also able to powerfully communicate complex ideas or messages in a way that is more memorable than a list of facts. If you want to learn more about how to use storytelling as a tool for change then read on...

======

My extensive research has shown me that a message becomes more credible when it is accompanied by a story, rather than just facts and figures. Stories are more likely to be remembered and can inspire people to take action. For example, in a study examining which messages would motivate people to conserve water during a drought, those who received messages about water conservation along with a story were more likely to conserve water than those who received only factual information about water conservation.

You may want to consider telling your own stories if you want to change minds. When looking at two videos that were identical except one had graphics while the other had no graphics, subjects found the video without graphics more persuasive because they felt it was easier to comprehend.

Or maybe you want to convince your boss to let you work from home, persuade your partner to watch less TV, convince your kids to eat their vegetables or change someone's mind about a controversial topic. You might think that one way of persuading them would be better than others but is it really?

The power of storytelling is undeniable. When constructing your story, make sure it is structured with a beginning, middle, and end. Every aspect of your story should help tell your main point while adding depth to your argument.

Research suggests that people are listening to stories because they want to know what happens next, but also because they want their beliefs confirmed by those who share their values. They react differently when they hear facts compared with stories. Stories can make the abstract feel more concrete and give context to facts so that they are easier to understand. When we tell stories about people who have been affected by a problem, listeners find ways to relate those experiences back to themselves and their own lives. By understanding this phenomenon, it may be possible for us to change someone's mind on any issue - even one as charged as Brexit!

When you start a sentence with In the days of yore... you change your audience's perspective and make them more likely to agree with your viewpoint. This is a powerful persuasion on any topic imaginable.

Was this article helpful? So it's time to start telling your story.

Follow me on Linkedin. And if you are struggling to revamp your online presence, just book a free call and we′ll figure out the best strategy for you: https://calendly.com/ericalimavirtualassistant/30min