So say authors Diana I. Tamir and Jason P. Mitchell from Harvard University’s Department of Psychology.
Yes, people love to talk about themselves – it gives our brains a dopamine high. Our brains are “wired for self-disclosure,” says neuroscience. (Think about Facebook!)
This is great information for fundraisers and their organizations. We want to hear the stories of our donors. We value donor-centrism. And neuroscience and behavioral psychology explain why.
We are in the business of collecting donor stories – and retelling those stories in our newsletters, annual reports, direct mail solicitations, on our website. Good fundraisers invite donors to tell their stories themselves – at the podium for that special event or program or in a small focus group.
Yes, people love to talk about themselves. Invite them to do so. Encourage them to do so. Welcome their stories.
