Narrative language and structure makes our brains and bodies tick, producing hormones that drive us to empathise and take risks. They also create hormones that energise and make us fearful.
Oxytocin: Empathy
Cortisol: Stress
Adrenaline: Excitement – for good and bad
Dopamine: Motivation – reward and punishment
These hormones bring about sensations in our bodies, which we feel and call emotions.
Knowing how experiences can prime us to release these hormones is a brilliant way of understanding our personal mode of communication. Understanding your reactions can help you interact more positively with others – both as speaker and listener.
Our voice also works according to emotions and the hormones precipitating them. Psychologically, emotions drive our thoughts and behaviour. Physically, emotions create states and sensations that indicate we need to move, stay still, protect our airway, conserve energy. We can harness all of this to our benefit, if we understand what's behind our sensations.