“Trance state” is a condition of reduced awareness, of not being in the moment. We enter a trance whenever we read, or watch a visual presentation, or become engrossed in a conversation. Other existing stimulae are “tuned out”. This mental condition provides a receptive basis for manipulation. See “neuro-linguistic programming” for a powerful example of how to create a new perception of “reality” and thus alter behavior.
A narrative is a story with intent, another tool for manipulation. It need not be factual, or even pretend to be factual. It just needs to be effective, which is measured by how many of the audience buy into the underlying message and incorporate it into their “reality” – usually without appreciating that there *is* a message. Narratives gain from repetition and variations on the theme. Think MSM coverage of war, or Bush, or Obama. Think advertising. Think oratory.
