The power of story? It’s chemistry, baby!

Anyone that knows us here at F&E knows that be bang on a lot about the power of story. Sometimes it feels like magic but really, it’s physiology. In fact, you only need to understand a little brain chemistry to comprehend why stories are so powerful.

The amygdala is the emotional centre of the brain. It’s responsible for the perception of emotions and is constantly assessing the stimuli around us, preparing us to act in accordance with the situation we face.

When we sense a threat, adrenaline triggers our fight-or-flight response. If we feel emotionally connected, oxytocin is released, which triggers our need for social bonding.

The interesting part to we storytellers is that we humans release these chemicals when we hear a story that makes us feel threatened or scared or angry or loved-up in much the same way we would feel these things if they were happening to us in real life.

When I think of that, I picture a cave-mumma telling her babies a story around the fire, teaching them why it’s unsafe to go outside after dark, triggering their brains to release adrenaline. Our very physiology allows us to learn through story!

I was reminded of this recently by neuroeconomist Professor Paul Zak. Do yourself a favour and listen to him talk more about changing behaviour by changing brain chemistry.

Peita