← ArchiveLinksStories That Shape Us | Weekday Wisdom πŸš€ · 2025-03-04← OlderNewer →

Hello you super storyteller!

Why do some stories make us laugh, cry, or buy things we don’t need, while others just fall flat?

This week, we had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Will Storr, the brilliant mind behind The Science of Storytelling and his latest book, A Story is a Deal. Will breaks down why storytelling is not just an art but a psychological contract - one that brands, politicians, and even our own brains use to shape reality.

As the late, great Terry Pratchett said, β€œPeople think that stories are shaped by people. In fact, it’s the other way around.” 

Big love,
Chris & the 42courses team x 

THE TUESDAY TAKEAWAY πŸ’‘

Have you ever wondered why some stories stick with you while others fade away?

In this episode of the 42 Courses podcast, we chatted to bestselling author Will Storr about the science of storytelling, exploring how narratives shape our world - from politics to marketing to everyday life.

We chatted about his new book, A Story is a Deal, why great ads often don’t mention the product, and how storytelling influences everything from leadership to love.

Watch it here, or listen to it here.

COURSE OF THE WEEK πŸ† 

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools to connect with your audience, build trust, and persuade them to take action.

In this course, you will learn how to craft engaging, memorable, and effective stories. You'll learn about the different types of stories, how to structure a story, and how to use language to create impact.

You will also learn about the science behind storytelling and how to use it to your advantage.

Sign up today to become a better storyteller, no matter what industry you work in.

Here's what one of our learners had to say:

WHAT MAKES THIS AD GREAT 

The Cog, by Honda, is one of the finest pieces of storytelling in advertising, ever.

This 120-second Cog advert unfolds like a meticulously crafted Rube Goldberg machine, with each sequence of colliding parts - sourced entirely from a disassembled Honda Accord - triggering the next in a chain reaction.

It's mesmerising, it's beautiful, and when the only line in the ad is spoken, "isn't it nice when everything just works?" you want to cry in shared triumph with Honda! 

That's storytelling magic.

If you love good ads like we do, learn how to make them in our Advertising Masters course.

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Bonus joke: What music streaming platform do the planets use?
Neptunes 
🀭
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