Dr J.J. Peterson, storytelling expert, discusses why stories stick in your mind. Topics include the stories behind Apple, making events memorable for 7 years, why Tidal failed, the power of images in memory, and the two rules behind every good story.
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Quick takeaways
Stories have a unique power to stick in our memories, activating brain centers that generate positive feelings and influencing thoughts and actions.
Good stories enhance memorability, make events more compelling and believable, and leverage the story bias to make messages more believable, brands more memorable, and products more appealing.
Deep dives
Stories are more memorable than facts
Stories have a unique power to stick in our memories more effectively than facts or theories. Research suggests that stories activate the brain's sensory processing center, which releases oxytocin and generates positive feelings of compassion, empathy, and trust. In contrast, facts and theories activate the data processing center of the brain, resulting in less memorable retention. Psychologist Daniel Stern's studies demonstrate how storytelling helps us remember events even years later. Stories have a narrative transportation effect, making us see ourselves in the story and influencing our thoughts and actions.
The impact and influence of a good story
Good stories not only enhance memorability but also make events more compelling and believable. Harvard psychologist Ellen Langer's research highlights the power of storytelling in influencing behavior. In an experiment about line-cutting, people were more tolerant and helpful when a story was provided to justify the behavior. Similarly, a train delay announcement with a story about the late driver becoming a father changed commuters' perceptions and reduced their worry. Stories have a reassuring and calming effect, making information more acceptable. By leveraging the story bias, businesses can make their messages more believable, their brands more memorable, and their products more appealing.
The elements of a good story
Fidelity and coherency are essential elements of a good story. When a story is consistent and makes sense, it has a higher chance of achieving narrative transportation and influencing thoughts and actions. Psychologist JJ Peterson explains the importance of positioning the customer as the hero in the story and inviting them into a narrative where they achieve success. Big brands like Apple have successfully shifted their storytelling by focusing on customer benefits rather than product features. Additionally, visuals play a significant role in memorability, with pictures leaving a lasting impact on our memories compared to isolated words.
Crafting effective titles and enhancing memorability
Choosing an appealing title is crucial for attracting attention and creating memorability. Holderman Julius, a book mail order expert from the 1920s and 30s, conducted experiments to discover which book titles drove sales. He found that titles focused on self-improvement and included elements of sex were the most effective. Additionally, visuals enhance memorability significantly, with research showing our capacity to remember thousands of pictures even after a week. In marketing, combining fidelity and coherency with visual elements can make messages more memorable and impactful.
Stories stick in your mind. In this episode, you’ll learn why, and how you can tell a better story. Joining me today is storytelling expert Dr J.J. Peterson. We discuss the great stories behind Apple, how to make someone remember an event for 7 years, and why Tidal failed. You’ll learn how images boost memory, the best-selling book titles, and the two rules behind every good story.