There’s a reason why some stories linger long after they are told.

While a good structure and powerful message are important, it is often the sensory details that help a story leave its mark. When the audience can envision the moment and feel the story the way you do, it will stay with them in a much more powerful way. That is the magic of sensory details.

In the art of storytelling sensory details are the brushstrokes that turn your sketch into a masterpiece. And if you want your audience to remember your message, your focus needs to be on helping them feel it on a deeper level.

Today we are learning why sensory details are important elements of your stories, and how you can use them to captivate your audience.

Why Sensory Details Matter

Various research has shown that sensory details help activate the brain and create stronger neural pathways. When we hear a story with vivid sensory input like “the smell of fresh-baked bread” or “the icy grip of the steering wheel,” the parts of...