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20th out of 71 books
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24 voters
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The Story Factor
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...more
Paperback, 299 pages
Published
April 4th 2006
by Perseus Books Group
(first published November 2000)
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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 famous storyteller that I have grown to love over the years is Leo Sofer: http://www.palaceofstories.com/
He offers free downloads of his stories as podcasts before they make it to the "buy me" page - so, ...more
Also, a famous storyteller that I have grown to love over the years is Leo Sofer: http://www.palaceofstories.com/
He offers free downloads of his stories as podcasts before they make it to the "buy me" page - so, ...more
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 of adults the same question and they will hesitate . . . our lives are a story and we are already telling that one perfectly. Jewish Teaching Story – naked truth is rejected at every door. Clothe the truth in parable and ...more
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 alas, my expectations were too high and unreasonable. I came away with a little bit more of appreciation for story and what it can do, but that's about it. No specific techniques or tips that could improve m...more
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 alas, my expectations were too high and unreasonable. I came away with a little bit more of appreciation for story and what it can do, but that's about it. No specific techniques or tips that could improve m...more
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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 that is fully formed - fully understood - that sticks; right in there somewhere."
A wise man once told me "Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story." I think that applies here. It reminds...more
A wise man once told me "Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story." I think that applies here. It reminds...more
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 applications and benefits from using a story-based approach.
As I made my way through the book I was hoping for some more 'how to' information. The new chapter in the paperback edition, 'Story Thinking as a Skill', was cer...more
As I made my way through the book I was hoping for some more 'how to' information. The new chapter in the paperback edition, 'Story Thinking as a Skill', was cer...more
This book ran hot and cold for me. Some chapters I found boring and others inspiring. I think if it had some exercises or challenged me to think more about relating my personal experiences to the stories in the book it would have engaged me more. It did enlighten me to the power of storytelling and for that it was worth the read. This is not a 'read it and master it' type of book. It is a starting point and a good introduction.
I try to read a "business book" at the same time as a pleasure book. This is the current biz book I am reading. It talks about how to use story to gain influence. I imagine that our friends in sales have this concept nailed but for science folks...its a little harder and the reason for the book!
A little more academic and dense that her later work Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins.
My Tweet: Story creates power by simplifying our world, making meaning and molding perceptions. It taps emotions that create action. Leaders need six stories.
My Tweet: Story creates power by simplifying our world, making meaning and molding perceptions. It taps emotions that create action. Leaders need six stories.
Chris
rated it
An inspirational read that takes us through the art of storytelling by telling stories- imagine that. :-) It's well-written and insightful. Not exactly the fastest read for me, but will make a good reference when crafting up presentations.
Started off good. Lost me quickly and made a good subject boring. Wasted potential here. Fortunately, I was able to look past the negatives and still learnt some things.
Super great! Learned a lot and thought a lot about my personal stories and how I can cultivate them to make me a more effective leader. Inspired me to write.
I saw Annette speak back in 2006 and she was a fantastic presenter - book doesn't have that same energy but it is a good reference.
Great book that really helped understand how the power of 'story' helps our interactions with others.
This book was included in my book: The 100 Best Business Books of All Time. www.100bestbiz.com
"A good story is like a mirror that you hold up for others so they see something of themselves reflected back."
My boss gave this book to me earlier in the year with the goal to get me a bit more up to spead on persuasive speaking - the art of getting someone to do what you want them to do. The book on many levels is something I've heard before - illustrate your points with stories because it's more engaging - but it also contains many practical tips on connecting with an audience. This book is definitely worth the read.
A must read for salespeople, business owners, politicians, and anyone who needs to learn how to influence others (which is basically everyone on the planet).
This is an incredibly good book, explaining very clearly how to use the power of stories to help people see things your way.
As I said, YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK.
This is an incredibly good book, explaining very clearly how to use the power of stories to help people see things your way.
As I said, YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK.
Ryan
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anyone interested in writing or public speaking
Although the metaphors in this instructional text are mainly centered around the business world, I feel that the understanding and mastery of storytelling enriches the human experience in all walks of life. If you love a good story now and then, and you work or live with other human beings, this book is worth a look-see.
Was expecting to hate this, but, although it's a little cheesy, it's chock full of interesting ideas and stealable charms.
Update: actually, like a lot of books, this would work better as a blog. There's definitely some good stuff in there but I wouldn't recommend it.
Update: actually, like a lot of books, this would work better as a blog. There's definitely some good stuff in there but I wouldn't recommend it.
A great tool to have in your library if you are part of leading a company or organization. Simmons does a marvelous job gathering stories that really truly get the point across. I use this book in my storytelling class and the students love it.
I like stories... and this helps to show people how to make management, presentations and business communications a bit more fun... I'm an informal "presenter," so really like the mixture of stories and business...
Much of the content involves things I have learned intuitively throughout my life, but it names and defines types of story more explicitly, gives solid examples, and simply affirms my current knowledge base.
Still reading it. It is a pretty interesting book. I think it could be helpful to those at work who have to give presentations etc.
Cyrus
is currently reading it
Learn how to touch people's heart with your own story!
George Norris
marked it as to-read
Carcoura
marked it as to-read
Marc Tardif
marked it as to-read
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“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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