Storytelling in health communication is primarily used to:

Storytelling in health communication serves the critical purpose of engaging the audience emotionally. Through narratives, health communicators can connect with individuals on a personal level, making the information more relatable and impactful. When audience members hear stories about experiences, challenges, and personal journeys, they are more likely to empathize with the characters involved, which can foster a deeper understanding of health issues.

By evoking emotions, storytelling can motivate people to change behaviors, seek help, or adhere to health recommendations. This emotional connection can also help to convey complex health information in a manner that is easier for the audience to digest and remember. In comparison, while delivering complex data efficiently and highlighting clinical guidelines are important aspects of health communication, they do not inherently involve the same level of personal connection that storytelling achieves. Additionally, avoiding cultural topics is contrary to the strengths of storytelling, as effective narratives often celebrate diversity and address various cultural perspectives to resonate with a wider audience.