*What’s the last story you told that left people leaning in?* Here’s something we don’t talk about enough: the power of *contrast* in storytelling. When people think about storytelling, they usually focus on the plot. But *contrast*–the art of showing two opposites–makes stories **stick in the brain** like Velcro. *Fact:* Our brains love contrast. Think…

*What’s the one thing every great meeting, pitch, or conversation has in common?* **Emotion.** When you make people *feel* something, they remember you–and your message. Simply put: **facts tell, but stories sell** whether you’re selling a product, an idea, or even yourself. But here’s the thing… people don’t always remember facts. (*A study by Stanford’s…

*Ever noticed how a good story can make someone go from checking their phone to hanging onto your every word?* Let’s talk about why that happens–and **how you can do it too**–with just a small tweak. *Neuroscience says* that when you tell a story, a listener’s brain *mirrors* the experience. You talk about excitement? Their…

**What’s the quickest way to lose your audience?** *Too much information, not enough emotion.* Here’s the thing: our brains aren’t wired to remember endless data points or bullet lists. But we *are* wired to remember stories that make us *feel* something. In fact, neuroscience shows that when we hear an emotionally charged story, our brains…

[?][?] **What’s the secret sauce to making your message stick?** *Surprise.* Think about it: the brain *loves* surprises. When something unexpected happens, our brains release dopamine, which boosts memory and attention. That’s why adding an element of surprise to your storytelling can make your message more memorable and engaging. **Storytelling hack**: Next time you’re presenting…

**What’s the fastest way to make someone *care* about your story?** *Make it personal.* Neuroscience shows that when we hear a personal story, our brains release oxytocin–the “empathy” hormone. This chemical reaction makes us feel connected to the storyteller, as if we’re in their shoes. So, when you share something personal, you’re not just telling…