Did you know…?
Storytelling is the strongest form of patient advocacy. It brings awareness to diseases, disabilities, and disorders. Storytelling also provides a distraction – a durable and proven coping mechanism.
Nicole Kohr
But storytelling can do even more powerful things than persuasion. Storytelling can raise awareness of issues in your community and around the world. Impact stories put a face or name on your organization, bringing its mission to life and providing a glimpse into the lives of individuals or communities. These stories connect with our emotions and can inspire people to act — to bring about change.
Forbes (2021) Click to read full article.
Stories synchronize the listener’s brain with the teller’s brain, enabling empathy.
NPR (2020) Click to view article.
In this study, the effects of storytelling on the brains of children were assessed by using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Results indicated significant decreases of the blood flow in the bilateral prefrontal areas during picture-book reading… suggesting possible advantages of storytelling as a psychological and educational medium in children.
Fukushima J Med Sci (2018) Click to read the full article.
Stories convey the culture, history, and values that unite people.
Vanessa Boris via Harvard Business (2017) Click to read the full article.
Storytelling builds peer to peer relationships.
The Fostering Network (2012) Click to read the full article
Storytelling is the interactive art of using words [and/or] actions to reveal the elements and images of a story while encouraging the listener’s imagination.
National Storytelling Network Click to read full article.
When we see or hear a story, the neurons in our brain fire in the same patterns as the speaker’s, a process known as “neural coupling.” You also hear it referred to as “mirroring.”
Ted Bauer via Neuroleadership Institute (2021) Click to read the full article.
According to Yoga Journal, storytelling is a great way to combat stress—there’s something about focusing on someone else’s life that allows us to detach from our own problems. In turn, our brains release endorphins and serotonin—chemicals responsible for feelings of well-being.
Storii (2022) Click to read the full article.
Children who listened to someone telling stories for just 30 minutes showed decreased cortisol responses. More striking, these children showed a marked increase in oxytocin. And these increases in oxytocin and decreases in cortisol were also related to lower ratings of pain and higher levels of positive emotion about feeling better and getting better. Stories helped these children heal.
Robyn Fivush Ph.D. via Psychology Today (2021) Click here to read the full article.