The Story Factor: Secrets of Influence from the Art of Storytelling

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Summary: Equals the best
Review: The Story Factor has been very helpful to me in my work, because it is practical and inspiring. I own several books that focus on the theoretical and the constructive - Robert McKee's book Story; Roger Shank's book Tell Me A Story. The Story Factor focuses on why storytelling is so powerful - and "why" is what moves people from thinking about storytelling to using storytelling in their lives. Of all of the storytelling books I recommend, this is the one that people tell me inspired them to begin using stories in their work.

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Summary: The Story Factor
Review: This book opened my eyes to an alternative method of communicating, both at work and home. I now consciously notice good communicators and teachers using stories in everyday situations. Have recommended this book to friends.

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Summary: Telling Tales that Make a Difference
Review: We all have heroes. Garrison Keillor, creator of the Prairie Home Companion, is one of mine. Why? He is the best storyteller on the planet. Until recently, I hadn't made the connection between what Garrison Keillor does so well and the business world we all inhabit. The Story Factor pulls it all together.
Annette Simmons is a consultant with roots in major corporations. In 1992, she attended a bucolic southern storytelling event that reshaped her thinking about making an impact within a business context. She believes that facts may be important, but they don't make the difference. As she puts it, "People don't want more information. They are up to their eyeballs in information. They want faith-faith in you, your goals, your success, in the story you tell. It is faith that moves mountains, not fact."
A meaningful story will sustain belief beyond the presence of the individual who first inspired faith. As Simmons sees it, this enables listeners "to reach the same conclusions you have reached and decide for themselves to believe what you say and do what you want them to do."
Whenever we hope to influence others, it is the power of our individual story-who we are and what we're all about-that will ultimately make the difference. It's one thing to be articulate. It's another to be credible. That's where The Story Factor comes in. If you'd like to make a lasting impact in your workaday world, think about telling stories. Think about buying Annette's book.