Did you know that neurotransmitters and hormones like dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins are released in your bloodstream during a good story?

These are powerful, as they can help you focus more, improve your memory, feel empathetic and even make you trust the teller. That’s the power of storytelling.

But how and why do you need this as a podcaster? Podcast storytelling has been found to increase the emotional connection between the teller and the listener. It also helps to spark curiosity, capture attention and keep listeners hooked to the end.

Therefore, this blog post will look at why there is power in podcast storytelling and how you can use this lifelong secret to get your listeners coming back for more.

Setting the stage—Podcast storytelling power

Few months ago, a friend of mine started acting weird and distant. Now, we’ve been friends for over 5 years and this lady was anything but weird. We were living in two different parts of the country so our only form of communication was the phone.

I got worried with time as she kept on pushing me off especially whenever I tried to talk to her. Inquired if anything was wrong but she kept on affirming she was okay—Until one day.

On that blessed day, I got a notification on my phone. I opened the message to see the most heartbreaking thing I had experienced since last year. The message read “I’ve been crying for so long, I have no more tears to shed. I lost a huge amount of money and it wasn’t mine”.

The first thing that crossed my mind was—this has to be some kind of joke. But remembering how she had been acting for the past few weeks. I sent a message back asking if I could call. She agreed.

I called and she spent the next few minutes crying again. After that day, I did what every friend could have done—stayed active as much as I could. We would talk for hours and I would try my best to make her laugh and feel okay.

Few weeks later, she started getting back to her normal self again. The owner of the money had forgiven her and all she needed was to forgive herself.

Now this story right here does three things.

—It kept you engaged.

—Made you feel empathetic.

—You learnt a lesson from it—Not everything is as it seems, especially when it comes to people.

Why storytelling matters in podcasts

There are thousands of podcasts available. But what makes a podcast stand out lies in this age old tradition—Storytelling. Why does storytelling matter so much? Let’s look at the following reasons.

Improves the listeners memory

A good story improves a listeners memory. When a podcaster tells a good story in a descriptive manner that makes you feel every emotion they felt, it always sticks to memory. Therefore, whether you host an educational podcast, a religion based one or an entertaining podcast, using stories to connect with your audience is a powerful method to follow.

Captures emotions and empathy

Empathy is simply the ability to understand and share the feelings of someone else.

In a world where people judge before they think, storytelling acts as the bridge that brings out the core emotions in people.

Increases focus and motivation

Podcasts whether created to educate, entertain or inspire an audience can really benefit from storytelling. When a good story is told in a podcast, the listeners tend to stay focused and purely interested. This also helps to increase motivation.

For instance, the story of a person who moved from grass-grace will motivate you to keep working hard and trusting in the process.

How to maximize the podcast storytelling power

Choose a story that connects to your episode

Storytelling is important when trying to create a connection with your audience. However, telling a story completely different from the podcast episode defeats that purpose.

Follow a clear narrative structure

While incorporating storytelling in your podcast, you have to follow a clear structure that contains a beginning, middle and the end.

The beginning sets the stage for the story with context and characters.

The middle introduces the conflict while the end resolves the conflict, leaving your listener satisfied or pondering.

I once listened to a TedTalk from David Philips. In this show, he looked at the power of storytelling. Told a story about a woman who had called him for a job. Long story short, as he was about to enter the room to pitch his offer to three gentlemen who clearly didn’t appreciate what he was about to do. The woman called him and told him something. Well, till this day, I do not know what that is.

That is a cliffhanger. When your whole being is already immersed into the talk, the teller stops. However, in a podcast, the continuation is moved to the next episode. This has a way of making your listeners come back.

Make it relatable—Podcast storytelling power

Listeners always connect more deeply with stories that reflect their own experiences. A lady once told a story of some of her childhood memories and how these things are being lost in the present generation. I related so much to the story because it made me feel like we had the same childhood.

In your podcast, you can share personal stories, interview guests and let them tell their stories or use a case study.

Use Vivid descriptions

Paint a clear picture and let your audience go on the same journey that you already experienced. Don’t be in a rush to get to the end. Take your time and build that connection.

Use voice modulation and pauses

Your voice is a powerful storytelling tool. Vary your tone, pace and volume to match the moment you’re describing.

2 Examples of podcasts that incorporates the storytelling power

1. Serial

A pioneer in podcast storytelling. A true crime podcast that shares a story over a course of episodes. Waves suspenseful narrative that always keeps listeners hooked.

2. The moth

A podcast that features people who come on stage to share their most unforgettable stories.

However, there are many more podcasts that incorporate this storytelling technique. I just highlighted two.

Conclusion

The podcast storytelling power is what transforms a regular show into a journey that you take your audience on.

By mastering the art of storytelling, you can build a deeper connection with your audience, make your podcast top of mind and make money from doing what you love.

Remember, one of the best ways to tell a good story is to write down your stories.