The impact of great storytelling goes beyond measure – yielding more sales, donations, funding, and media coverage. In the realm of communications, marketing, and PR professionals, brand storytelling emerges as the key to success. The art of telling a compelling story becomes essential in any form of communication, as it fosters strong relationships between people and companies, rooted in positive stories and experiences.
A Curated TED Talks Compilation
As the craft of brand storytelling continues to evolve, we have curated a collection of some of the best TED Talks/TEDx Talks on the subject:
Joe Sabia – ‘The Technology of Storytelling’
- “They realized that, in 6,000 years of storytelling, they’ve gone from depicting hunting on cave walls to depicting Shakespeare on Facebook walls.”
In his engaging TED Talk, Joe Sabia, a renowned conceptual digital video artist based in New York, delves into the evolution of storytelling throughout history. From depicting hunting scenes on cave walls to sharing Shakespearean experiences on Facebook walls, Sabia unravels the transformative journey of storytelling over 6,000 years. With a track record of gathering over 1 billion views for his shareable videos and formats across different genres, Joe’s work as VP of Creative Development at Conde Nast Portfolio involves crafting franchise video formats. His expertise as a creative consultant, Moth Programming Board member, and award-winning director/editor amplifies his passion for the technology of storytelling.
In his concise yet impactful TED Talk, Joe introduces us to the innovative mind of Lothar Meggendorfer, the creator of a groundbreaking technology for storytelling – the pop-up book. With his iPad as a tool for interaction, Joe skillfully engages the audience, taking them on a captivating storytelling journey. Through this immersive experience, he highlights the remarkable way new technologies have consistently empowered us to share and craft our own narratives. Joe’s talk serves as a powerful testament to the ongoing synergy between technology and storytelling, unlocking endless possibilities for creative expression and connection.
Shekhar Kapur – ‘We Are the Stories We Tell Ourselves’
- “I tell a story, and therefore I exist.”
Shekhar Kapur, a celebrated Indian film director, actor, and producer, stands as a luminary figure in both Hollywood and Bollywood. With his compelling narratives, he has garnered acclaim in the realms of Hindi cinema and international cinema alike. As a visionary filmmaker and storyteller, his works intricately weave themes of art, myth, and activism, leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.
In his TED Talk, Shekhar delves into the enigmatic question of creative inspiration – the elusive source from which ideas spring forth. For him, the wellspring of creativity lies in sheer, utter panic. With captivating candor, he shares his unique perspective on unleashing the inner storyteller within us all. As he unravels the power of self-perception, Shekhar reminds us that the stories we tell ourselves define our very existence, shaping our reality and the worlds we create.
David JP Phillips – ‘The Magic Science of Storytelling’
- “You don’t have to be a bearded old man in front of a fireplace with a dark voice in order to be a great storyteller.”
David JP Phillips, an esteemed international speaker, author, and coach in Modern Presentation Skills, approaches his training and materials with a unique foundation in biology and neuroscience. His motivational speeches are known for their hands-on, interactive nature, leaving a lasting impact on audiences. In this captivating TED Talk, David unveils the magical science behind storytelling, demonstrating how the skillful use of a narrative can elevate something to gain significant monetary value.
Drawing from his personal experiences, David harnesses the power of storytelling to unleash three chosen neurotransmitters in the brain. The release of these neurotransmitters yields a cascade of effects, enhancing focus, motivation, and memory retention. Through the art of storytelling, David aims to impart the knowledge of evoking these neurotransmitters and eliciting profound emotional responses in an audience. As he unveils the enigmatic alchemy of storytelling, he invites us all to embrace the transformative potential of this powerful tool, empowering us to become captivating storytellers in our own right.
Andrew Stanton – ‘The Clues to a Great Story’
- “The audience actually wants to work for their meal. They just don’t want to know that they’re doing that. That’s your job as a storyteller, to hide the fact that you’re making them work for their meal.”
Andrew Stanton, an illustrious Oscar-winning director, animator, screenwriter, and producer, stands as the creative genius behind timeless films like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Monster’s Inc. In his captivating TED Talk, Stanton delves into the essence of compelling storytelling, revealing the two pivotal elements that lie at its core – engagement and connection.
For a story to captivate, the audience must not only engage with the content but also form profound connections with the characters and storyline. The art of storytelling lies in seamlessly concealing the effort required to immerse oneself in the narrative, making it a delightful experience for the audience without them even realizing the “work” involved.
Throughout his talk, Andrew Stanton generously shares the secrets of his “secret sauce” for success, providing valuable insights and tips for crafting narratives that leave a lasting impact. As we embrace the wisdom of this storytelling maestro, we unlock the potential to create stories that transcend time, evoking emotions, and igniting the imagination of audiences worldwide.
Nancy Duarte – ‘Uncovering the Structure of the Greatest Communicators’
- “There’s something kind of magical about a story structure that makes it so that when it’s assembled it can be ingested and recalled by the person who’s receiving it.”
Nancy Duarte, the visionary CEO of Duarte, an organization dedicated to shaping ideas through compelling presentations, stands as a talented writer and graphic designer as well. In her thought-provoking TED Talk, Nancy delves into the transformative power of powerful presentations, believing that they have the potential to change the world when effectively communicated with impactful ideas. She astutely points out that the key to achieving this lies in outlining these ideas through the enchanting medium of stories.
Drawing parallels between Martin Luther King’s iconic ‘I Have a Dream’ speech and Steve Jobs’ groundbreaking 2007 iPhone launch, Nancy demonstrates how both speeches stirred deep emotions within their respective audiences, invoking sentiments of hope and wonder. The skill of evoking emotion, be it positive or negative, emerges as a hallmark of the world’s most remarkable communicators.
As Nancy unravels the enigmatic structure employed by master communicators, she unveils the art of crafting narratives that resonate on a profound level, making an indelible impact on the minds and hearts of listeners. Through her illuminating insights, she empowers aspiring communicators to harness the magic of storytelling, enabling them to create presentations that not only captivate but also inspire change and transformation.
Conclusion
TED Talks on storytelling have proven to be a treasure trove of wisdom, inspiration, and transformative insights. Through these captivating talks, we have explored the enchanting art of storytelling, understanding its power to evoke emotions, connect with audiences, and shape the world around us. From the exploration of narrative structures to the magic of brand storytelling, these TED Talks have shed light on the profound impact that stories can have on our lives, shaping our perceptions, and empowering us to bring positive change to our communities and beyond.