Storytelling

Question 1

Why is storytelling effective?

Answer 1

A story is a time tested structure, it’s the way we used to pass on knowledge before the advent of writing. We have therefore evolved into gifted storytellers and as a result it’s a very effective medium of communication.

Question 2

Replace xx:
cognitive psychologist Jerome Bruner suggests that humans are
xx times more likely to remember a fact when it presented in its
“storied form”.

Answer 2

22, stories are memorable because they trigger our emotions.

Question 3

How would you describe a good story and how can you use it?

Answer 3

A good story grabs your attention and takes you on a journey, evoking emotional responses, for instance using plot twists.

We can use stories to engage our audience emotionally in a way that goes beyond what facts can do.

Question 4

List at least 3 emotional responses a story can evoke.

Answer 4

1. Empathy
2. Distaste, disgust, frustration
3. Call to action
4. Enlightenment (information transfer)
5. Questioning beliefs
6. Increased engagement through familiarity.

Question 5

Brake down the core elements of data storytelling.

Answer 5

1. visualization
2. narrative
3. context

For the most part, users don’t remember data: It’s the
context around the data that provides value, and that’s
what will make people listen and become engaged.

Question 6

Describe how storytelling affects the brain.

Answer 6

1. The process of neural coupling makes the listener turn the story into their own personal experieince
2. The process of mirroring enables listeners and speaker to experience simiilar brain activity between each other.
3. The brain releases dopamine when it experiences an emotionally charged event, making it easier to remember a story.
4. Many more areas of the brain can be engaged compared to the only two when listening to facts.

Question 7

Describe the elements of a narrative arc.

Answer 7

It has a beginning, a middle and an end part.

The beginning introduces the plot and gives context, it’s purpose is to explain to the audience why they need to pay attention.

In the middle the scenario of what could happen without action is described, tension reaches a climax.

The end is a call to action and conflict resolution, it should make clear to the audience which steps need to be taken.

Question 8

True or false: text is the key component of a storytelling visualization.

Answer 8

False, you should only use text when necessary for the audience to follow your narrative, let the visualization do the talking.

Question 9

True or false: progressively revealing the details of your story is a good storytelling strategy

Answer 9

True, stories are journeys involving character development, they shoud happen gradually, not with just one big transformation.