Stories are one of the most effective ways humans communicate and make sense of reality. Neuroscience research shows that storytelling facilitates understanding between speakers and listeners by transporting people to different perspectives. While facts alone are meaningless, stories provide context that help reframe people's understanding of facts. Effective leaders recognize the power of storytelling to begin dialogues and inspire others. Stories follow common structures like having a beginning, middle, end, hero's journey, and plot points that build suspense to emotionally engage audiences.

1. Why Stories Matter
The Power of Storytelling

2. what is story?

4. story
makes us
human

5. the science of
STORY

7. PNAS.org: Speaker–listener neural coupling underlies
successful communication by Greg J. Stephens, Lauren J.
Silbert and Uri Hasson

8. your brain
on STORY

9. your brain on story

10. STORIES are one of the most
effective ways in which
we communicate
our view of reality
to others

11. transporting people to different points of view

12. reframing what facts mean to them

13. Facts are meaningless
without a contextual
STORY

15. STORIES are a natural way
to begin a dialogue with your audience

17. Good storytelling is a
hallmark of effective
leadership

19. elements of
a good
STORY

20. beginning
middle
end

21. structure your
STORY

22. hero
time
suspense
plot

24. Do you have a strong sense
of purpose to propel your
STORY?

26. Good STORIES
create an experience that
evokes an emotional response

28. Raw moments touch people the most

32. Want to learn
MORE?

33. Visit Global Village Storytelling