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

In this book, the author reminds us that the oldest tool of influence is also the most powerful. Through the words, gestures, tone, and rhythm of story, you can captivate an audience of skeptical, resistant nay-sayers while constructing a believable picture for your ideas and goals. In a hyper-competitive, techno-centric, and results-oriented environment, it is easy to forget that all organizations are social systems and that work is personal - and learning to tap into the personal element through story will enable you to solve problems, make decisions, and develop trust in ways you might never have thought possible. Showcasing over a hundred examples of effective storytelling drawn from the front lines of business and government, as well as myths, fables, and parables from around the world, the author illustrates 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," this book identifies the six stories you need to know how to tell and demonstrates how they can be applied in virtually any situation - from making a sales call to launching a community service campaign. -- Adapted from jacket