|
The Story Factor (2nd Revised Edition) | 
 enlarge | Author: Annette Simmons
Creator: Doug Lipman
Publisher: Basic Books
Category: Book
List Price: $16.95
Buy New: $9.00
You Save: $7.95 (47%)
New (29) Used (12) from $7.75
Avg. Customer Rating:  63 reviews
Sales Rank: 10831
Media: Paperback
Edition: 2nd
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 320
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 8 x 5.3 x 0.9
ISBN: 0465078079
Dewey Decimal Number: 650
EAN: 9780465078073
ASIN: 0465078079
Publication Date: April 3, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
|
| Also Available In:
|
| Similar Items:
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com Review
Nearly everyone responds to a good yarn, and that's precisely the point behind The Story Factor by Annette Simmons. A "collaborative behavior" consultant to public and private organizations, Simmons argues that storytelling may just be the best management tool available to modern business leaders because it exerts influence in ways that other techniques cannot. And she doesn't suggest that stories be exclusively reserved for formal presentations, either; on the contrary, Simmons shows how they can be used effectively in small group settings and even one-on-one situations. She begins by describing six basic types that can be adapted to any circumstance (Who I Am, Why I Am Here, The Vision, Teaching, Values-In-Action, and I Know What You Are Thinking). She then offers pointers for finding them and advises that ideas be jotted down whenever they appear, built upon consistently, and practiced in private until the telling comes naturally. To that end, she includes helpful tips on presentation, noting that the words are only part of a package that includes body language, clothing, tone, and other components. Follow her lead and you'll likely never relate to any individual or group in the same way again. --Howard Rothman
Product Description
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.
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 58 more reviews...
 240 pages telling you that storytelling = influencing others... August 11, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book's sole focus and theme is to prove that stories are the best way to influence others. Subjective statements are used to prove this point...over and over again.
The sample stories in the book are too contrived or not very practical to use at work/meeting/home settings.
If you already use stories to influence people, or if you agree that the best way to influence someone is through stories, then you do not need this book.
NOT a book for people who want to know HOW to create and tell a good story. If that's what you want, pay more attention to co-workers who are good storytellers. Or find storytellers at your library/school, or go online and find professional storyteller videos.
If you want to learn the art of storytelling for the sake of the art itself (and not because you are trying to "influence" others), a good place to start is Jack McGuire's Creative Storytelling...it's centered on storytelling for children, but provides useful info on the process of creating, crafting, and telling stories.
 Necessary for any sales person May 14, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
One Day She'll Darken: The Mysterious Beginnings of Fauna Hodel
Stories are necessary in selling. Sometimes that's all that's necessary. This book lays out a great many interesting stories that are somewhat corny, but at the same time work very well under certain circumstances. I wanted to know new stories and this book does deliver on that account. It's an easy read, but a thought provoking book as well. We don't realize how often we are persuaded to do something, just because we heard of someone else doing it. I recommend it to anyone who is in the business of selling - which is all of us.
Not particularly helpful for learning how to create or tell a story March 27, 2008
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
I bought this book based on its great reviews, but I have to say that I'm very disappointed. The book focuses on why to tell a story rather than just repeat a bunch of facts. The problem is, I was already convinced of this. Moreover, the book is largely just a continuous string of reasons to tell a story. Wouldn't it have been better to tell a story about creating a story? The stories that are listed in there are pretty good, but are lacking in number and not all that connected to the rest of the chapter.
I wanted to know how to create and tell stories. The book only spends a few pages addressing these issues. I say look for another book.
Power of telling stories explained by telling stories March 17, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
How can you highlight the importance of telling stories ? "Well ... by telling stories !" says Annette.
This book not only tells you "Why stories are important", but also tells you "How you can use them". There are enough stories in this book to sustain your interest. I bet, it will be hard for you to gobble through the material. Take time to read the material to assimilate the wealth of information.
Will this book make you an overnight story teller? NO. Will this book put you on the right path towards improving your story telling skills? YES. The author persuades you to use stories to get the attention of audience. However, storytelling is an art. You'll need lots of practice to master it.
Very good February 22, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Usually when I buy a book I start reading it and then take a break from it. I have no desire to take a break from reading this. It's highly influential and it can help anyone with their language techniques whether it comes to persuasion, having people understand you better, or even writing.
|
|
|
Powered by Associate-O-Matic
| |
