Dr Frederik G. PferdtFrom Stanford & Google — To You

The power of storytelling

13 Mar 2025 · 1 min

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In this talk, the speaker argues that storytelling is a powerful tool that can influence both others and oneself. By immersing listeners in compelling narratives, storytellers create emotional experiences that go beyond mere data or facts. The speaker emphasizes that effective communication should prioritize evoking feelings, and suggests a practical approach: write the story of how you want to feel. This principle is presented as applicable across various contexts, from workshops and stage presentations to everyday communications plans.

Chapters

Storytelling can help you not only influence others, but influence yourself. And a great storyteller, let's face it, you listen to some of the greatest storytellers of all time, you're there, you're with them. You know, it's like when you read a great book, all I want to do is go back to that world. Or if you hear a great speaker, you're like, holy mackerel, they're brilliant. Like, I think there's something about the captivating, compelling act of hearing a great story well told is like nothing else. And I think that's the thing I try and impart in everything I do, in all the work I do, whether it's a workshop or on a stage or just even a communications plan, you're telling stories and you're telling stories that make people feel something. It's an emotion. It's not necessarily a data or facts thing. And I think that's also— you should write the story of how you want to feel.