Storytelling structures create a sense of unresolved tension that draws people in, making them feel connected to the story and engaged in the communication.
To effectively communicate and engage a broader audience, it is crucial to recognize and appeal to diverse perspectives and emotions.
Deep dives
The Neuroscience of Storytelling
Neuroscientist David Eagleman discusses how our brains are wired for storytelling, highlighting the power of storytelling in capturing attention and engaging audiences. He explains that storytelling structures create a sense of unresolved tension that draws people in, making them feel connected to the story. By understanding our audience and appealing to their emotions, we can effectively communicate and engage with them.
The Importance of Relevance and Variety in Communication
Eagleman emphasizes the need to understand that individuals have different ways of perceiving and visualizing information. To engage a broader audience, it is crucial to avoid assuming that everyone thinks the same way we do. He suggests appealing to a variety of perspectives and making connections that resonate with diverse experiences. Additionally, he highlights the significance of emotional appeal in communication, as people are more likely to connect and care about a topic that evokes a strong emotional response.
Creating New Senses and Enhancing Communication
Eagleman discusses his research on creating new senses and the impact it can have on communication. By delivering information through unusual channels, such as vibrating wristbands, they can provide new sensory experiences for individuals who are missing a sense or want to augment their existing perceptions. He also explores the potential of using technology to transmit physiological signals, allowing individuals to feel and understand each other's emotions even from a distance. However, he acknowledges the need for cautious experimentation in this area to avoid potential negative consequences.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, lecturer and podcast host Matt Abrahams sits down with David Eagleman, a neuroscientist and the host of the PBS series The Brain, to discuss why our brains are wired for storytelling and how new senses might impact our connection and communication with others.
“I’ve always been really interested in this idea of how we can pass information to the brain via unusual channels,” Eagleman says. “We’ve got our eyes or ears or fingertips and our nose, we’re very used to this and we sort of think these are fundamental, but of course, this is just what we’ve inherited from a long road of evolution … It turns out you can push information in the brain in other ways.”