Recently, I watched four TED Talks that all explored different aspects of storytelling. As someone interested in how interactive storytelling and design can help raise public awareness about complex issues, these talks were especially relevant to my research. Each speaker approached storytelling from a different angle, but they all underscored one powerful truth: stories have the ability to shape how we perceive the world, connect with others, and inspire action.
In this blog post, I’ll reflect on the key insights I gained from these talks and how they are influencing my thoughts on storytelling in education, empathy, and public engagement.
1. Salma Abdelrahman: „Empathy Through Storytelling“
Salma Abdelrahman’s TED Talk was deeply personal and focused on how storytelling can be used to create empathy, especially for marginalized groups. She recounted her experiences of discrimination as a Muslim American and explained how her involvement in the Student Voices panel, where students shared personal stories about discrimination, inspired her to take action. These stories grounded abstract issues like Islamophobia and homophobia into real, emotional experiences that resonated with her audience.
Abdelrahman’s main point was that storytelling has the power to bring difficult, often invisible struggles into the spotlight. It’s not enough to know what discrimination is in theory—when you hear someone’s personal experience, it humanizes the issue in a way that numbers or statistics never could. Her video project, Fabula Rasa, continues this work by collecting and sharing stories from diverse voices.
For my own research, this talk really reinforced the idea that empathy is central to storytelling. Whether I’m designing an interactive exhibit or thinking about ways to raise awareness about animal welfare, the goal should always be to create an emotional connection. If people can feel a personal link to an issue, they’re much more likely to take action. Abdelrahman’s emphasis on empathy will be a guiding principle as I continue developing my ideas for interactive storytelling.
2. Guy Godfree: „Storytelling: Empathy in Narrative Point of View“
Guy Godfree, a cinematographer, spoke about how narrative perspective can shape the way audiences experience a story. His TED Talk highlighted the importance of understanding whose story you’re telling, whose perspective it’s being told from, and the biases of the storytellers themselves. Godfree shared examples from his own work in film and television, explaining how these choices affect everything from camera angles to audience emotions.
One of the most compelling points Godfree made was when he discussed how changing a story’s perspective can completely alter its impact. He used the example of the classic Christmas movie Home Alone, suggesting how different it would feel if told from the perspective of the two burglars rather than the young boy defending his home. Suddenly, the villains might become sympathetic, and the story itself takes on a different tone.
This idea of perspective has sparked some new questions in my own research. Who is telling the story of animals in captivity? Is it the zookeepers, the conservationists, or the animals themselves? If we can shift the perspective to allow people to see the world through the eyes of animals, would that change how they view the ethics of captivity? Godfree’s talk reminds me that how we frame a story—whose voice we prioritize—can make all the difference in how people respond to it.
3. Mark Grimmer: „What’s Next for Immersive Storytelling?“
Mark Grimmer’s talk focused on the future of immersive storytelling and how technology is opening up new possibilities for narrative experiences. He shared how his design studio created immersive exhibitions, including one about David Bowie and another commemorating the Apollo 11 moon landing. What stood out to me was how Grimmer described the “collision of ideas” that happens when different disciplines—like architecture, music, and film—come together to create an immersive story.
Grimmer emphasized that while technology plays a big role in creating these experiences, the heart of the story should always come first. Technology is a tool to enhance the narrative, not the narrative itself. He also mentioned that immersive storytelling can bring people together, allowing them to feel like they’re part of something larger than themselves. The Apollo 11 exhibition, for example, recreated the scale and spectacle of the moon landing in a way that felt emotionally powerful, reminding audiences of a moment of collective achievement.
This talk inspired me to think about how immersive storytelling could be used in zoos, aquariums, or museums to help visitors connect more deeply with animals. What if visitors could experience the world from an orca’s perspective, moving through a vast ocean instead of seeing the animal in a small tank? Grimmer’s talk reminded me that by blending disciplines and using technology creatively, we can create powerful experiences that feel real and evoke strong emotions.
4. David JP Phillips: „The Magical Science of Storytelling“
David JP Phillips’ TED Talk was both entertaining and insightful, focusing on the neuroscience behind storytelling. He explained how storytelling can trigger the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins, which make us more focused, empathetic, and creative. Phillips referred to this combination of chemicals as the “angel’s cocktail,” contrasting it with the stress-inducing “devil’s cocktail” that we experience when we’re overwhelmed or anxious.
What fascinated me about Phillips’ talk was how deliberate storytelling techniques can actually manipulate our brain chemistry. For example, by building suspense or creating empathy for a character, we can increase dopamine or oxytocin levels, making the story more engaging and memorable. Phillips even shared practical tips on how to apply these techniques in everyday communication, from public speaking to presentations.
This talk got me thinking about how I can use functional storytelling in my own projects. Whether I’m designing an interactive exhibit or creating content to raise awareness about animal welfare, understanding how storytelling affects the brain could help make my messages more impactful. If I can build emotional connections between people and animals through storytelling, it might help foster more empathy and inspire positive change.
Conclusion: Storytelling as a Tool for Empathy and Engagement
Watching these TED Talks reminded me of just how powerful storytelling can be. Whether we’re trying to create empathy for marginalized groups, change people’s perspectives, or use technology to build immersive experiences, storytelling lies at the heart of it all. Each of these speakers highlighted a different aspect of storytelling, but they all shared a common belief: stories connect us.
As I continue my research, I’ll be thinking about how to apply these lessons to my own work. Whether it’s using empathy to raise awareness about animal captivity, experimenting with immersive technology to create more engaging experiences, or leveraging the neuroscience of storytelling to connect with audiences on a deeper level, these talks have given me a lot to think about.
Watch the talks here:
Empathy Through Storytelling | Salma Abdelrahman | TEDxYouth@Miami
Storytelling: Empathy in Narrative Point of View | Guy Godfree | TEDxPugwash
What’s Next for Immersive Storytelling? | Mark Grimmer | TED
The magical science of storytelling | David JP Phillips | TEDxStockholm