Storytelling or How to Avoid Boredom

You’re in the middle of a conversation, but then: “Oh, there’s Claudia. Sorry, I really need to talk to her”. - You’ve given a talk, there’s no question in the Q&A, and the moderator asks something superficial before sending you off with a polite round of applause. - You’re halfway through a lecture, looking out at hundreds of blank faces, and no one answers the question you asked. This is boredom in action.