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The new material for this revised edition offers an expanded case study of storytelling in action that focuses on one of Simmons’s success stories. Over one hundred stories drawn from the front lines of business and government, as well as myths, fables, and parables from around the world, illustrate how story can be used to persuade, motivate, and inspire in ways that cold facts, bullet points, and directives can’t. These stories, combined with practical storytelling techniques show anyone how to become a more effective communicator. From “who I am” to “I-know-what-you’re thinking,” Simmons identifies the six stories you need to know how to tell and demonstrates how they can be applied. This revised edition offers a guide to using storytelling in specific business circumstances, including corporate reorganizations, layoffs, and diversity issues.
| Acknowledgments | ix | |
| Foreword | xiii | |
| Introduction | xvii | |
| 1 | The Six Stories You Need to Know How to Tell | 1 |
| 2 | What Is Story? | 27 |
| 3 | What Story Can Do that Facts Can't | 49 |
| 4 | How to Tell a Good Story | 83 |
| 5 | The Psychology of Story's Influence | 105 |
| 6 | Sound Bite or Epic? | 133 |
| 7 | Influencing the Unwilling, Unconcerned, or Unmotivated | 157 |
| 8 | Storylistening as a Tool of Influence | 181 |
| 9 | Storyteller Dos and Don'ts | 199 |
| 10 | The Life of a Storyteller | 219 |
| 11 | Story Thinking as a Skill | 241 |
| Case Study: Testing the "Six Stories You Need to Tell" in Real Life-Sunrise Stories | 259 | |
| Resources | 271 | |
| Storytelling in Action | 285 | |
| Bibliography | 287 | |
| Index | 291 |
Anonymous
Posted December 11, 2006
Annette Simmons is thoroughly convincing in her assertion that the best way to influence and inspire others is to tell stories. Unfortunately, she is a bit heavy-handed on the 'why' of storytelling, which she explains in depth in every chapter, and a shade light regarding 'how' to accomplish her lofty goals. Simmons explains that telling people an engaging story is far more persuasive than reciting facts and figures, or showing a PowerPoint presentation. To illustrate her position, Simmons uses good stories and parables as examples. She describes the six categories of stories you can use to connect with and influence people, and she offers suggestions on how to become a prolific, entertaining storyteller. This is not a typical 'how-to' book with lists of things to do, but it is instructive and useful. We recommend it to anyone who is interested in the art of persuasion or who loves a good yarn.
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Overview
The new material for this revised edition offers an expanded case study of storytelling in action that focuses on one of Simmons’s success stories. Over one hundred stories drawn from the front lines of business and government, as well as myths, fables, and parables from around the world, illustrate how story can be used to persuade, motivate, and inspire in ways that cold facts, bullet points, and directives can’t. These stories, combined with practical storytelling techniques show anyone how to become a more ...