The power of storytelling

In my recent leisure time, I had the opportunity to indulge in the classic literary work Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, which had been lying dormant in my room for some time. Despite its unassuming cover, the image of a black horse immediately drew me in, revealing my love for animals.

First published in 1877, Black Beauty became an instant success, with Anna Sewell passing away just five months after its release. Sewell cultivated a passion for horses after a debilitating injury at 14 years forced her to rely on horse-drawn transportation. Her intimate knowledge of horses is reflected in the book, an autobiography of a horse’s life as narrated by the horse.

The profound impact that Black Beauty had on society is a testament to the power of storytelling. Sewell’s empathetic portrayal of working animals generated widespread concern for animal welfare. In addition, it helped abolish some forms of cruel treatment of animals using anthropomorphism, which adds a human element to the narration.

The ability of storytelling to engage and evoke emotions is undeniable. When used judiciously, it can be a powerful tool to trigger an audience’s emotions and inspire positive change. Storytelling is not just the domain of TED speakers, creative directors, or business geniuses, but a skill that can benefit anyone.

Influential leaders understand that building human connections should precede concepts and strategies. They recognise the importance of connecting with their prospects and audiences before delving into business matters. Just as we learned as children through bedtime stories, fairy tales, and family anecdotes, leaders who use storytelling effectively (with an appropriate style, tone, and semantics) can transport their audiences to a primal state of attentive listening.

In her novel, Black Beauty, Anna Sewell’s use of anthropomorphism resonated with readers and sparked empathy for the victimised horses. This empathy led to a demand for reforms to improve their well-being, as evidenced by the one million copies of the book in circulation in the United States just two years after its publication. Animal rights activists even distributed the novel to horse drivers and stable workers.

The depiction of the “bearing rein” in Black Beauty triggered such outrage and compassion among readers that it led to the abolishment of the practice in Victorian England. Moreover, the novel’s portrayal of the harmful treatment of horses inspired the development of legislation in various states to prohibit such abusive practices.

As Anna Sewell’s book and history show, compelling storytelling can lead to influence, engagement, and real change. Likewise, people are motivated to take action when stories are well-crafted and emotionally engaging.