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Book cover for The Story Factor: Inspiration, Influence, and Persuasion through the Art of Storytelling Book Details

The Story Factor: Inspiration, Influence, and Persuasion through the Art of Storytelling

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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,MoreThe 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. Less

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Community Reviews

Omar Halabieh

rated it it was amazing
about 5 years ago

As the title indicates, this is a book about the power of storytelling as an influencing tool. As Annette best tells it: "People don't want more information. They are up to their eyeball in information. They want faith...Faith needs a story to sustain it - a meaningful st... Read full review
Taka

rated it did not like it
over 7 years ago

Shelves: japan_jul07-aug11 , writing_reference
Not very helpful--

I was very excited to start on this book after reading so many good reviews about it. I had my pen at the ready to underline valuable passages and take notes. I expected it to give me specific techniques and tips to improve my storytelling skills.

But ala... Read full review
Geoffrey

rated it it was amazing
over 1 year ago

Shelves: non-fiction
After seeing it referred to in another book, I had this book sitting in my "wishlist" on Amazon for months. Then I slipped it into a shipment of books that I ordered and it sat on my shelf for several more months. Finally, during my summer holidays, I pulled it out and be... Read full review
Will Jeffries

rated it really liked it
about 6 years ago

I absolutely enjoy storytelling and believe this ancient art-form to be the foundation of civilization. If you are interested in storytelling, I would recommend you visit Doug Lipman, which the author of this book recommends as well: http://storydynamics.com/

Also, a famou... Read full review
Mark Ruzomberka

rated it really liked it
about 4 years ago

If you are familiar with the movie Inception then you know the line "What is the most resilient parasite? Bacteria? A virus? An intestinal worm? An idea. Resilient... highly contagious. Once an idea has taken hold of the brain it's almost impossible to eradicate. An idea... Read full review
Clare

rated it really liked it
almost 6 years ago

Shelves: storytelling , communication , on-loan
Anyone who has an interest in how storytelling can be used for more effective communication (in business as well as personal situations) should read this book. It makes an incredibly compelling and clear case for the use of story and highlights a range of potential applic... Read full review
Wendy

rated it liked it
about 4 years ago

What did I learn from this book? What do I want to remember? Story of 3 men - 1 laying bricks, 1 building a wall, 1 building a cahtedral . . . storytelling can help us see the cathedral. Ask a 5-year-old if she can draw and she will enthusiastically say ‘Yes!’ Ask a group... Read full review
Jim Peterson

rated it liked it
over 1 year ago

I read this book for work.

I would recommend The Story Factor to anyone interested in learning how to convert what they've learned from reading, writing and telling stories into a potential success factor in the world of work.

Simmons explains how to use storytelling as a w... Read full review
Maria

rated it did not like it
about 1 year ago

i'm extremely disappointed

i can't believe that a book about storytelling can be so boring. oh maybe it's my expectations that were wrong? basically, i wanted a kind of tutorial. like, here's how you build a story - 1, 2, 3. those are the types, those are the points, those... Read full review

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  • Territorial Games
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  • Quantum Skills For Coaches: A Handbook For Working With Energy And The Body Mind In Coaching
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  • A Safe Place for Dangerous Truths: Using Dialogue to Overcome Fear & Distrust at Work
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  • Mit Guten Geschichten Menschen Gewinnen
    Mit Guten Geschichten Menschen Gewinnen
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Book Details

Paperback, 320 pages
Published April 4th 2006 by Basic Books (first published November 2000
ISBN
0465078079 (ISBN13: 9780465078073)
Edition Language
English
Original Title
The Story Factor

About this Author

60059. ux50 Annette Simmons is a vibrant keynote speaker, consultant and author of four books: The Story Factor named as one of The 100 Best Business Books of All Time, Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins , A Safe Place for Dangerous Truth (AMACOM, 1998), and Territorial Games: Understanding and Ending Turf Wars at Work.

Annette started with a business degree from Louisiana State University in 1983, spent ten...
Read full bio

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Quotes

It is safe to assume that any individual or group you wish to influence has access to more wisdom than they currently use. It is also safe to assume that they also have considerably more facts than they can process effectively. Giving them even more facts adds to the wrong pile. They don't need more facts. They need help finding their wisdom. Contrary to popular belief, bad decisions are rarely made because people don't have all the facts.
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The telling and hearing of stories is a bonding ritual that breaks through illusions of separateness and activates a deep sense of our collective interdependence.
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Other methods of influence—persuasion, bribery, or charismatic appeals—are push strategies. Story is a pull strategy. If your story is good enough, people—of their own free will—come to the conclusion they can trust you and the message you bring.
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