Liz Neeley, from Story Collider, discusses the power of storytelling in science communication, challenging stereotypes, enhancing comprehension, and engaging an audience. It explores the concept of narrative transportation and its neurological impact, emphasizing the need for diversity and ethical use of narratives in science stories.
Storytelling in science communication can help people process information, make judgments, and understand complex topics through the power of narratives.
Storytelling has the potential to challenge stereotypes and broaden the image of who can be a scientist, by sharing stories from a diverse range of scientists.
Deep dives
The Power of Storytelling in Science Communication
Liz Nealey, the founder of Story Collider, initially underestimated the value of storytelling in science communication. However, she eventually recognized the power of narratives in helping people process information, make judgments, and understand complex topics. Studies show that narratives are more relatable, interesting, and informative than mere lists of facts. This effectiveness may be attributed to a phenomenon called narrative transportation, in which individuals become fully engaged in a story, stimulating cognitive and emotional processes that enable perspective-taking and attitude shifts. Furthermore, neuroscience research reveals that stories activate various parts of the brain, fostering memory recall and shared experiences between speakers and listeners. However, it's crucial to employ storytelling ethically and inclusively, ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are represented in science stories.
Shifting Stereotypes Through Science Storytelling
Storytelling has the potential to challenge stereotypes and broaden the image of who can be a scientist. Traditional science narratives often centered around white men from Western countries, leaving little room for other voices. By sharing stories from a diverse range of scientists, science communication can break these outdated stereotypes and highlight the contributions and experiences of individuals from underrepresented groups. Stories provide a platform to be seen and known for one's whole self, fostering a more inclusive and accurate representation of the scientific community.
The Impact of Storytelling in Health Communication
In health communication, narratives have been found to be more effective than plain facts in engaging and informing individuals. Studies have focused on the use of narratives in delivering important medical information to patients facing high-stakes situations, such as a breast cancer diagnosis. Whether through brochures, films, or personal testimonials, narratives are not only more relatable but also enhance comprehension and retention of information. The power of storytelling lies in its ability to immerse listeners into a world that activates cognitive and emotional processes, enabling perspective-taking and attitude shifts. By leveraging storytelling techniques, health communication can improve patient understanding and decision-making.
Storytelling can be a powerful tool to convey information, even in the world of science. It can also shift stereotypes about who scientists are. We talked to someone who knows all about this - Liz Neeley, the Executive Director of Story Collider, a nonprofit focused on telling "true, personal stories about science." You can tell us your personal science stories by emailing, shortwave@npr.org. Plus, do some #scicomm with Maddie on Twitter — she's @maddie_sofia.