Breaking the Echo Chamber: Understanding Confirmation Bias in Storytelling

For anyone who has ever thought about how to speak to others and change their thoughts or behavior,we know that it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that what you want to say is of the most value. Our brains can sometimes be so lazy that they just let us follow our intuition, and this intuition often shapes our opinions, stories, and ways of thinking. Inevitably, we humans are massively biased creatures. The biggest challenge of cognitive bias is that we are often unaware of our own biases. We miss out on crucial information without even realizing it, because our worldview filters what we see and hear.

However, it’s not up to us to use our intuition to tell stories just because we think we know what our audience wants to hear. Often, that is completely untrue. As we try to communicate, we may find that our opinions are not well received or even have unintended negative consequences.

It's essential to remember that storytelling should focus on what others want to hear, not just what we want to say. This shift in focus makes stories more meaningful and impactful. This is where the importance of research and listening comes in. By asking people other than yourself and genuinely considering their opinions, you open up your way of thinking. This approach brings you closer to a common area upon which both you and your audience can agree.