Although we may not realize it, we are all telling stories, just in a different way. Whether it is explaining a situation or recounting a memory, everyone has their own way of sharing their story. We all know the phrase ‘the way you tell your story can change the meaning’ but how true is it? Does the way you tell a story affect the way we perceive it? A new study shows that the style of storytelling can change the way our brain forms memories.However, how does learning our brain’s way of forming memories help us in real life? Researchers explain that learning this could not only help us know how to improve memory, but also improve learning across all ages. What Are The Different Types Of Storytelling? Researchers at McGill University wanted to know if the extra details you add to a story make a difference in how the event is remembered later. They came up with stories that had the same core facts but were told in two very different ways Conceptual Details: These details focus on emotions, opinions, and deeper thoughts, "why" the characters felt or interpreted things the way they did.Perceptual Details: These details focus on the five senses, the concrete sights, sounds, and actions, the "what" the characters saw or physically experienced. How Does Our Brain Form Memories? The researchers used advanced brain imaging on 35 people as they listened to these different stories, and the results were a huge discovery for memory science: Brain Networks Divide When people heard the stories, the two different styles activated totally separate parts of the brain. Stories heavy on conceptual details (feelings) lit up the brain areas related to emotion and interpretation. Stories heavy on perceptual details (sights/sounds) activated the areas linked to sensory processing. A Predictor of Memory The most important finding was that the strength of this brain activity predicted how well each person would remember the main events of the story later on. Essentially, the study proves that the way you present information doesn't just entertain; it actively molds and shapes the memory while it's being created in the brain. How Can You Better Memorize Things? This research provides a powerful tool for anyone who needs to communicate clearly, from teachers to doctors. The insight is simple: to improve memory, you should match your storytelling style to the listener's natural memory preference. Older Adults tend to rely more on the conceptual memory system which means they focus more on feelings and thoughts.Younger Adults tend to rely more on the perceptual memory system, which is focusing on sights and concrete details.If this pattern holds true, it means you could make information much stickier. For example, a health presentation for older people might use more conceptual language like discussing the importance and feelings related to health. For younger people, using perceptual language, focusing on concrete images and sensory detailscan make information more memorable. Applying this approach can enhance learning and memory retention across all age groups.
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