Why People Listen to Stories

Stories are an important part of our lives, everybody has stories to tell.

Different Types of Stories
(Life Experience/ Knowledge/ Entertainment /Hearsay)
Biography
News
Drama
Gossip
Lessons learnt
History
Movie
Rumour
Love stories
Information
Satire
Superstition
Tragedy
Book
Jokes
Myth/ Legends
Inspirational
Religious
Skit/ Play
Folk lore

1. Knowledge
People expect to learn something from it, be it a new fact, or a lesson learnt.Documentaries, for example, is a good medium for people to gain knowledge about what they might not get to see themselves, the nature, wildlife, other countries’ landmarks & culture, it is a good exploration.

2. Entertainment
To pass time mainly, the story could be exaggerated, or real.Either way, it is something not experienced in our everyday life.

3. Appreciation
A story (e.g. book, TV show, movie) has a storyline, an interesting, continuous flow that leads people into the story.Stories are a form of art, it is creative writing and original.

4. Topic of Interest
It has to be of an issue the listener is concerned about, else attention will not be received.Likewise for any show, people watch it because of attractive actresses or storyline.

5. Relating to Experiences
On a forum, people might tell stories about their situations and problems, expecting solutions, help or understanding. There, listeners come to realise they are actually not alone, that someone else has also gone through a similar experience/phase of life.That way, people can feel less alone and more relieved. Have something to relate to bonds people together.By starting the ball rolling, other people will feel more comfortable to also share and express themselves through storytelling.

6. Lessons learnt
Sharing what they know, and feel is worth remembering and passing down (e.g. life experiences, memories)
Ultimately, all these stories, as they are being told, they are meant to evoke feelings, thoughts into people. Leaving the listener inspired, happy, sad, puzzled, intrigued, etc. The list goes on forever, different stories have a different impact. It could be thought-provoking, allowing them with something to think about, developing or changing their opinions and mindset, widening their view.

7. Reciprocate both ways
When there are people who like to tell stories, there will be people who listen.

8. Loved one
We always listen to stories told by our loved ones, either happenings or facts about themselves because we care, which also is related to our topic of interest. They also aid in bonding with each other as they become closer in heart.

9. Problem-solving
After listening to similar stories, people can find out the already discussed solutions and therefore will be able and be in a better position to make decisions or consider/decipher the best and most appropriate solutions with deeper understanding and perspective of situations and experiences.

10. Points of View
After listening to different stories from different people, we can learn to see things in different angles and be more aware of how to improve things. It could be a new logic learnt, motivating, insight and alternative ways to achieve goals.11. ExpressionThere’s a need to be told. For the better of everyone or just own plain selfish need to rant. Whatever emotion that is being experienced, there is a need to spread the story around.