And then the magic started.
We were pinned to our seats. Our attention was fully focused
on the storyteller, just waiting to hear what would happen next!
Often the stories were amazing; other times they were tales
we’d heard many times before. Sometimes they were delivered with great drama
and enthusiasm; other times with a hushed breath barely louder than a whisper.
Why did we listen? Do we remember the actual stories? Or are
the experiences and the campfire companions front and center in our memories?
The effectiveness of campfire stories clearly illustrates the
importance of mood and atmosphere when conveying a message. Whether we’re
describing a product, a service, an experience, or an event, mood and atmosphere
are critical to fully communicating the story.
Setting the mood for a live audience can be a little easier
than doing so on a paper brochure or an email message, but it’s still important
in any format. Whether it’s through a stunning image, an effective graphic design,
or a humorous greeting, setting the mood opens the way for your story to be
told to a receptive audience.
It’s a critical factor to keep in mind when communicating any message. Enjoy those campfires (and tailgate parties and marketing planning meetings)!
