The psychological side of storytelling - by Alina Stiehm

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL SIDE OF STORYTELLING

by Alina Stiehm

Through the use of stories, information and knowledge are conveyed, whereby the recipient’s interest is aroused in order to anchor the desired message in his memory. A story carries out the appearance of one or more protagonists, as well as a specific event or problem. Usually, at the end of the story, a conclusion is drawn, such as the submission of a “solution” or the “failure” of it. The proposed “solution” is a nudge for the recipient to follow what is suggested, and the “failure” in the story wants to encourage the listener to take a different course of action. But mostly it is a starting position, a complication and a solution to the problem. Either way, every story has it’s meaning.

The effect A good story arouses emotions in the recipient, or at least his attention, and leads him to actively engage with the subject matter and, in the best case, to take action. You could also call it emotional investment. The recipients follow their feelings and objectivity becomes secondary. The power of feelings is played with. Hormones are triggered to set off certain mechanisms in the body. For example, dopamine is triggered and increases your motivation, memory and focus, with oxytocin you are getting more generosity, trust and you start bonding with the protagonists in the story. The most important thing in storytelling is to create empathy and tension with effective plots. One way to do this is to present different storylines that initially hold a mystery that is solved in the course of the story and that reveal common connections.

Presentation The processing takes place in various forms. Audio, text, video and images are best suited for this, because the focus is on the interactive. Example: Lionhearted: Documentary | Life Science Storytelling

Overview Burak, Saskia and Raschad are three of boxing coach Ali Cukur’s protégés. Week after week, they meet together with numerous other young boxers in a small hall at TSV 1860 Munich. Most of them have been through a lot in life. For them, Ali is a role model, a father, a lifesaver. In the ring, he teaches them to tame their anger, to keep control. Boxing as training for real life. The chance to find recognition and not go off the rails. Ali moves the annual boxing camp to Ghana. Confronted with the harsh conditions of Ghanaian boxers in the slums of Accra, the young people begin to look at their lives in Germany from a new perspective. Thus, the trip to West Africa becomes a journey to themselves - to their fears, their brokenness, but also to their strength and self-esteem.

Starting position: frustrated teenagers trying to get rid of their anger by using their fists (boxing)

Complication: teenagers dealing with their hard life and trying to find their place in society

Solution: Ali Cukur tries to take care of the teenagers and gives them another chance

Emotional side: the tough world of the young people touches the viewers. They also see coach Ali as a role model who faces the world without prejudice and helps marginalized people back into life. That is touching.

Effect: By playing with the feelings of the audience they feel addressed, they bond with the protagonists. They feel motivated to act and to face the world in the same way as trainer Ali.