Why We Need Stories and How (Not) To Tell Them
We can all recall a teacher who made our brains go numb as their voice droned on and we absorbed nothing. Let’s face it, learning a series of facts by rote or assimilating informational speeches takes considerable concentration but, turn them into a story and our interest is piqued and listening becomes a whole lot easier.
Storytelling is at the heart of human connection. Since the dawn of time, we have told stories to retell our past, capture our present and predict our future. Stories help us make sense of the world, share experiences, and inspire us into action. Whether you're explaining a concept, sharing a personal journey, or leading a team, storytelling bridges gaps and promotes understanding, so here’s a deep dive into their importance and some top tips for mastering the craft of storytelling:
Why We Need Stories
They Create Connection: Stories transcend barriers. They allow us to empathise with others, understand different perspectives, and find common ground. A good story makes abstract ideas relatable and emotional.
They Inspire and Motivate: Through stories, we can convey values, inspire change, and drive action. Historical movements, brand campaigns, and personal growth often stem from compelling narratives.
They Help Us Learn and Remember: Humans are wired to remember stories better than raw facts. A narrative structure provides a connected sequence and emotive characters cause us to emphasise, both of which aid comprehension and retention, making storytelling an effective device for teaching and communication.
They Provide Meaning: Stories give context to our experiences and struggles. They help us make sense of chaos, turning individual moments into a cohesive and purposeful journey.
How To Tell Great Stories
1. Introduce A Relatable Protagonist
Every story needs a character we can root for. They don’t have to be perfect; their flaws make them human and someone we can empathise with. Their goals, struggles, and transformation are what draw us in. Audiences connect emotionally when they see themselves in the protagonist’s journey.
2. Have A Clear Purpose and Set The Stakes
Why does this story matter? A clear goal and meaningful stakes ensure that the audience remains invested in the journey. When the stakes feel real and significant, the tension keeps the audience engaged.
3. Build An Emotional Arc
Emotion is the heart of storytelling. It’s what makes a story memorable and impactful. Whether it’s joy, sorrow, or triumph, the emotional journey resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impression.
4. Create Conflict
Conflict drives every great story. Whether it’s external (a challenge or antagonist) or internal (a fear or moral dilemma), tension keeps the audience engaged. There may be multiple conflicts causing the tension to be heightened and taking your audience on a gripping ride.
5. Embed A Strong Message
Every good story should have a message or underlying truth. A theme provides depth and makes your narrative resonate on a universal level. Audiences connect with stories that reflect their values, struggles, or aspirations.
6. Paint Vivid Settings
A well-crafted setting anchors your story in a tangible world. It’s the stage where your characters’ journeys unfold and should feel immersive. It doesn’t have to be realistic; it can be fantastical; but it needs to be vivid so that the audience can visualise, imagine and bring the story to life in their minds.
Triggering the senses is a powerful way to immerse your audience in a story. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell evoke emotions and memories that bring narratives to life. Dark corridors create mystery; a drumbeat mimics a heartbeat, altering your breathing; the rough texture of sandpaper can make you wince. Subtle scents, like the earthy aroma of a forest or the spice of a marketplace, transport you to another place. Engaging multiple senses makes a story visceral, bypassing logic to speak to the heart and gut. The audience doesn’t just watch—they feel the story, creating a lasting emotional impact.
7. Let Characters Speak For Themselves
Allowing the characters to speak gives them life, advances the story rapidly and immerses the audience further. Authentic conversations help us believe in the world and relate to the characters’ journeys. Imagined voices add a personal layer, turning dialogue into a bridge that deepens emotional investment and makes the narrative more memorable.
8. A Satisfying Resolution
The resolution provides closure and allows the audience to reflect on the journey. Even if it’s bittersweet or open-ended, it must feel earned and true to the story’s theme. A great ending leaves the audience thinking or feeling deeply.
We need stories because they connect, inspire, and teach us. They’re how we make sense of life and share what matters most. By telling stories that engage and resonate, you can leave a lasting impact and create moments of magic for your audience. If you're serious about mastering storytelling, consider a targeted, goal-driven programme with LAMDA Communication Coaching, grounded in proven techniques.
